Chapter 29

"Now Myra ... make sure Samantha keeps warm ... and she shouldn't run around too much for the next few days," recommended Andrew, as he pulled the clinic door open for the young woman and her daughter. "And don't forget those fluids," he added with a smile.

"I won't forget Dr Cook," Myra agreed with a fetching smile. "Thanks for seein' Samantha on such short notice ... I didn' think it was anythin' yesterday." She ushered her little daughter out of the clinic into the spring sunshine.

"Its not serious ... just a cold," rejoined Andrew reassuringly. "Just remember what I told you ..."

"I'll remember Dr Cook ... an' thanks," she reiterated. "I'll be seein' ya .." She grasped her daughter's hand and they stepped off the porch in the direction of the mercantile.

Andrew watched them for a minute and then turned to re-enter and close the door. A sudden shout from the street brought both his and Myra's progress up short.

Hank was staggering across the road from the Gold Nugget, doing his best to avoid the early morning bustle, a young and obviously unwell woman cradled in his arms. Andrew rushed out and helped the barkeep support her into the clinic, pulling the door shut after them.

Myra's eyes narrowed. This scene was all too familiar and painful. She hesitated, not really wanting Samantha exposed to the seedy goings on at the saloon, but needing to know that the girl was going to be alright. She vividly recalled the times she'd made the short trip across the street from the saloon, hurt or ill, with no-one except Horace to worry about her. She was torn. If there was anything at all she could do for the woman, then she was bound to do it. Even though they'd never met, she and the girl had a bond, a bond as sure as the one she had with Hank, or Horace. She called to Samantha and beckoned her to sit quietly on the wooden bench outside the clinic. They'd wait a little while under the guise of resting and see what happened.

*********************
Andrew bent over Myrna, and prodded gently at the swelling which threatened to swallow her right eye completely. It had only taken him a moment to realise that this was the girl of whom Michaela had spoken just before she went away. She'd feared that Myrna would be hurt again and she'd been correct. "Tell me if I'm hurting you too much," he gently instructed the young woman. "I need to ascertain how much damage has been done to your eye ..." He again touched the swollen, discoloured, almost transparent skin around the eye causing Myrna to moan softly. "I'm sorry," he said compassionately. "Are you hurt anywhere else? He didn't ...?"

Myrna swallowed and embarrassedly turned her head away from his earnest gaze.

"There weren't no rape ... but its her arm Doc ... might be broke ...," said Hank, who'd been hovering over Andrew's shoulder. "An' ya better check her bruisin' ..."

Andrew straightened and turned to glare at the barkeep. "You know who did this don't you?" he accused. "Michaela told me this had happened before ..."

"She had no right!" Hank protested, immediately on the defensive.

"She had every right ... As a doctor, she had to provide me with information about every one of her patients before she went away," rejoined Andrew with authority. "So what are you going to do about this?" he asked pointedly.

Hank swallowed and then said resignedly, "I'll have a talk with 'im."

"Surely you can do better than that!" exclaimed Andrew crossly. "This girl is badly hurt!"

"I said I'll talk to him," retorted Hank angrily. "Its *my* saloon ... an' Myrna works for *me* ... I'll look after it!"

Andrew shook his head. "Well, Myrna won't be working for you for quite a while now," he muttered determinedly. "I want her here for at least the next two days so Colleen and I can keep an eye on her ... then she'll have to rest for a minimum of a week ..."

Hank shrugged in response. "That figures," he scoffed. "You doctors are all alike ... ya just don' understand how the real world works ..."

Andrew turned to fully face him. "If this is the real world Hank ... then I'm glad I play no part in it! ... Now if I'm going to examine Myrna for further injuries it would be best if you left ... I'll let you know more later ..."

Hank eyed the young doctor angrily for a moment and then shrugged. "Suit yourself," he rejoined. "I'll either be outside or over at the Nugget." When the only response he received was Andrew's back as he bent over Myrna, he stomped to the door, opened it, strode outside and then pulled it shut a little more violently than was necessary.

Myra looked up as the clinic door swung open and then she stood as Hank appeared. His eyes narrowed to angry slits when he saw her. "She alright Hank?" asked Myra immediately.

He took a deep breath. "Will be," he replied shortly.

"What happened to her?" Myra asked, already suspecting the answer.

"Ya have ta ask?" inquired Hank sarcastically, then almost nervously flicked his long, curly hair back behind his shoulders.

"She was beaten weren't she?" asked Myra quietly. "I've seen girls look like that before ... goodness ... I've looked like that myself once or twice ..."

"So why'd ya ask?" scoffed Hank, disconcerted by her candour and her intense scrutiny.

"Cos I was kinda hopin' ya didn' let things like that happen anymore Hank ... I thought the Nugget was supposed ta be more respectable ... an' I thought ya cared more about your girls now ... an' wouldn' let anythin' like this happen to 'em ... like it happened ta me ... The fella oughta be arrested ... but I guess he aint ..."

Hank couldn't meet her eyes. "You don' know what's goin' on Myra," he said evenly. "Things aint as simple as that ..."

"I think they are ..."

"Well you're wrong!" he rejoined angrily. "Just cos you got a respectable job now don' mean things can't change ... There's all sorts o' complications ..."

"Like what?" she asked guilelessly.

What he'd have given to be able to tell her! Instead, he exhorted defensively, "I don' have ta answer to you Myra ... never did ... never will ... Let me look after my own business an' you look after yours ..." He indicated with a nod of his head, Samantha still sitting listlessly on the wooden bench. "Seems ta me you've got more important thin's ta worry about than someone ya aint even met ..."

Myra turned guiltily and eyed her daughter. "Maybe you're right Hank," she said softly. "But I've known you long enough ta know there's a heart buried somewhere under all that bluster ... an' I'm surprised you let this fella ... whoever he is ... get away with hurtin' that girl ..." She walked across and reached for her daughter's hand. As Samantha slid to her feet from the bench, she added, "I seen a new Hank lately ... but maybe that Hank's only a show ... for me ..." With that she turned on her heel and walked briskly away, her little girl having to almost run to keep up with her.

Hank's jaw clenched. He'd like to wring Tilson's neck! Nobody suspected the refined gentleman from back east! He'd like to give him *refined*! But there was much more at stake here than getting even for Myrna. He was convinced that if he did something about the man, then Myra as his friend would lose her job at the Chateau, and that would mean her returning to St Louis. He just wasn't prepared to lose her again like that. He again flicked his hair back, hitched his thumbs into the waistband of his trousers and strode angrily across the street to the Nugget.

*********************
Katie's eyes widened in astonishment at the strange looking carriage rattling along the wide street towards them. It was extremely noisy, but the most perplexing thing was that there were no horses pulling it! It gradually drew to a stop and she peered at it in wonder. Several people stepped off and hurried on their way, while others jumped on and sat themselves on the wooden seats. She looked up her pa whose eyes were also fixed on the strange contraption. She tugged at his sleeve. "Papa ... papa ...," she demanded, her tone strident. "Where's horsey?"

Sully reached down and swung her up into his arms. "There aint any Kates," he rejoined. "Guess it works like a train ... 'cept there aint no engine at the front neither ..."

Brian turned excitedly to his parents and siblings. "I read about these at the hotel ... there's a newspaper article framed on the wall in the foyer ... a fella called Hallidie invented it ... it's a cable car ..."

"Cabecar?" asked Katie wonderingly.

"Uh huh ... it runs on cables in the ground ... They only started usin' 'em in August last year ...," replied Brian. He turned excitedly to Sully. "Can we go for a ride on one?" he asked excitedly. "Please?"

Sully turned to Michaela who was regarding the strange looking vehicle a little dubiously. "Whatdya reckon?" he invited.

"Do you think its safe?" she asked quietly.

"Figure if they let the folk from here git on an' off all the time its gotta be," he replied reassuringly. "I'm game if you are ..."

"Please ma?" Brian entreated.

She shrugged resignedly. "I suppose," she rejoined. "Brian ... hold onto Katie's hand ..."

The family settled themselves alongside one another on a wooden seat, and they set off for the short ride up the very steep Clay Street. As the cable car rattled beneath them, wide eyes took in the diversity of this now cosmopolitan city. It hadn't taken Sully and Michaela long to realise that Sully's buckskins rarely attracted notice in a city abounding with strangely dressed Chinese immigrants and their associated stores and laundries, a large number of indians of indeterminate origin, cowboys and businessmen rubbing shoulders in the bustling streets, and overall a conglomerate of rich and poor.

The family had arrived last evening, tired and disoriented after three long days travelling by train, and both Michaela and Sully had sincerely hoped that this first day would be spent resting, including rising later than usual this morning. Alas, that was not to be. Two excited siblings had woken early, demanding to set out and explore, leaving their parents little choice but to acquiesce. Truth to tell, neither of them minded really. There was too much to see and experience to waste time cooped up in a small hotel room. And so here they were, with still much more to see.

Sully clasped Michaela's hand where it tensely held William in his leather sling. "Alright?" he asked amusedly.

She nodded a little nervously and then grasped his hand tightly as the cable car jarred to a stop at the intersection of two streets. "It's a strange sensation isn't it?" she said quietly. "No engine ... no horses ... and its very noisy ..."

He nodded in agreement and indicated their two children whose eyes were darting from here to there. "Not worryin' them," he remarked with a smile. She gave him a wry smile in return, but did not let go of his hand. He suggested, "Whatdya think about headin' to Miriam's this afternoon? ... We can check at the hotel how ta git there."

Her face lit up. "She'll be so surprised!" she exclaimed.

Sully sought to temper her enthusiasm a little. "Ya gotta remember we aint even told her we're comin' ... so she might not be home," he warned.

"I know ... but I have a feeling she will be," she responded, then frowned. "Perhaps we'd better check what Brian wants to do about seeing Ethan," she whispered. "He might want to do that first ... he's waited a long time for this opportunity ..."

Sully nodded. "We'll ask him at lunch ... If he wants ta go straight there, then that's what we'll do ... alright? Then we can see Miriam tomorra ..."

Michaela smiled and then shivered with excitement. "I'm enjoying this so much Sully," she said sincerely. "We haven't had an adventure for such a long time ..."

"Its worth it just seein' how excited the kids are aint it?" chuckled Sully. "Katie's almost jumpin' out o' her skin .."

The remainder of the morning was spent exploring the city, especially the docks where several large ships were being loaded for long journeys across the Pacific ocean. Both Brian and Katie, not to mention their parents, were fascinated with the activity - the windswept bay, the odd characters, the diverse cargo, the unfamiliar accents and smells. By noon, it was obvious that Katie in particular was flagging. Sully had taken to carrying her in his arms and occasionally she would rest her head tiredly on his shoulder. So by mutual consent they returned to their hotel where William could be fed, they could also eat, and plans could be made for the afternoon and the next couple of days.

******************
It was a tall, narrow, elegant house set on the very top of one of the many steep hills in San Francisco. There was a high, ornate, wrought iron fence across the front and a short stone path to the door. Michaela was almost bursting with anticipation. It had been several years since she'd seen Miriam, in fact she'd been heavily pregnant with Katie at the time, so that made it a little over three years. Of course she and her friend exchanged letters regularly, but it just wasn't the same as talking to each other in person.

Beside her stood Sully cradling their tiny son his arms, and regarding her indulgently. Her excitement was almost palpable. He grasped her hand and said quietly, "Well go on ... surprise her ..."

Michaela took a deep breath, unfastened the latch to the wrought iron gate and swung it inwards.

"House is kinda fancy aint it ma?" asked Brian in wonder, as he followed her. Then he turned to face the street. "Reckon you can see nearly all of San Francisco from here ..."

"Me see Bwian ... pease ...," entreated Katie from beside him.

He immediately swung her up into his arms. "Ooh ... pwetty," she exclaimed, taking in the vista of odd shaped buildings and colourful gardens which swept downwards towards the bay. After considerable deliberation at lunch, Brian had decided he'd rather go to see his father the next morning, and much to Michaela and Sully's consternation, alone. They had finally acquiesced, though it was obvious permission was given reluctantly. And so they'd received instructions from the concierge at the hotel and headed here to Nob Hill to see Miriam and meet her family.

Michaela stepped up and rapped the brass knocker a couple of times against the solid wooden door. There were shuffling footsteps on the floor inside and then the door swung open to reveal a plump, middle-aged woman wearing a large white apron over her grey dress. "Yes?" she inquired, her eyes sweeping over the odd assortment of people on the doorstep.

"Good afternoon ... I'm Michaela Quinn ... a friend of Miriam's ... Is she home?" asked Michaela, a touch nervously.

"Ma'am's in," replied the woman. "I be Mrs Green, the housekeeper ... please come in ..." She stood back, allowing the family to precede her into the house. "If you'll wait there ma'am .. sir ... I'll fetch Mrs Burnett for ye ..." She scurried away down a long hallway towards the back of the house.

Within minutes a door was heard being flung open and Miriam appeared hurrying up the hallway. "Michaela!" she exclaimed, flinging her arms around her friend. "Where did you come from? Why didn't you let me know you were coming? I thought Mrs Green was mad when she said you were in my vestibule ... oh my!" she gushed. Taking a moment to catch her breath, she stepped back and swept her eyes over the whole family. "How wonderful to see you all," she said, her smile broad. "Sully ... Brian ... and these two little ones must be Katie and William ..." She reached for Katie, who immediately buried her head in her brother's neck shyly. Miriam chuckled and then leant over the sleeping William. "Oh he's beautiful Michaela," she murmured, before suddenly remembering her good manners. "Come ... you must be tired ... We'll sit in the parlour ... Mrs Green ... tea I think ..." She opened a door into an elegant and yet airy room at the front of the house and ushered them in. "Where's your luggage? I'll have Billy bring it in ...," she informed them.

"Ah .. Miriam ... we're stayin' at a hotel downtown," replied Sully. "Didn' wanna burden ya with the whole family," replied Sully, seating himself in one of the large, luxurious wingback chairs.

"But you must stay with me ... us ...!" exclaimed Miriam. "Allow me to return the hospitality you afforded me in Colorado Springs ..."

"We couldn't do that to you Miriam," explained Michaela, her tone conciliatory. "There are too many of us ... and William often still wakes during the night ... we thought it best to stay at a hotel ... I hope you understand ..."

"I understand," conceded Miriam with a smile. "But I am a little disappointed ... there's plenty of room here ... and the children would have loved having guests ..." She sat down in one of the large chairs, and asked, "Now tell me what you're doing here so far from home ...."

While Mrs Green bustled around serving tea in delicate china tea-cups and passing around plates of elegant, miniature sandwiches, Michaela and Sully gave an account of their travels so far and their plans for the rest of their stay which they expected to be of perhaps ten more days duration.

As she became more sure of herself, and while the adults talked, Katie slid from Brian's knee and began to explore the luxurious room in which they sat, examining photographs in fancy silver frames and running her hands over the expensive brocades and velvets of the furnishings, all the while sidling closer and closer to the lady who had a nice smile and who seemed to be such good friends with her ma and pa. It wasn't long before she'd leant against the lady's knee and consequently been picked up and cuddled, something she always enjoyed.

The afternoon passed quickly as stories were told and memories recalled. There was also considerable fussing over the two younger children. Of course William woke wanting nursing and then to play, and Katie, not wanting to be left out, regaled them with her own, barely factual stories. She was delighted when Miriam's children, seven year old Rachel and thirteen year old Robert Junior returned from playing at a friend's house and took Brian and her under their wing. Then, around six o'clock, Miriam's husband, a rather prim and proper surgeon, came home and brief introductions were made. Finally, as the sun gradually began its descent in the western sky, Sully indicated that they should return to their hotel after their big day.

"Oh Michaela ... I can't tell you what it means to me to have you here in San Francisco," Miriam enthused, as they stood on the doorstep of her home. "Now remember you're coming to dinner tomorrow evening ... and later in the week I'll show you some of my favourite places ...."

Michaela nodded gratefully. "We don't want to put you out Miriam ... we know we arrived unannounced, so if you have other things planned ..."

"They're cancelled," rejoined Miriam immediately. "I want to spend some time with you all ... and show you around ... it will be delightful ... and I know Robert was serious when he said he'd show you over St Luke's Hospital ..."

Michaela's eyes glowed. "I'd love that," she said fervently. "But are you sure he can afford the time from his busy day?"

"I'm positive," returned Miriam. "I've told him so much of your medical practice ... he'll probably want as much information from you as you do from him ..." She began to lead them towards the street. "Now Billy will deliver you all back to your hotel safely ... and he'll pick you up there at six tomorrow evening," she said. She again embraced her friend. "Its going to be a wonderful week Michaela ... Sully ...," she said her eyes alight. "I'll see you tomorrow .... and Brian ... good luck with your father ..."

The young man nodded and lifted his little sister up into the buggy. "Thanks Dr Tilson ... I mean Mrs Burnett," he returned, blushing a little.

Miriam gave him a whimsical smile in response to his mistake, then waved them off as they set out for their hotel downtown.

************************
Adrian once again read the crumpled telegram in his hands. 'Arrived safely. Everyone fine. Will visit M & E soon. Sully.' He shook his head. It was almost as if Michaela and her family were trying to keep their whereabouts a secret. But that was absurd! There was no earthly reason why they should do that. However, if that *was* what they were trying to do, they'd forgotten that all telegrams bore the name of the city from which they'd been sent.

Yesterday afternoon, he'd been standing at the telegraph office, feeling decidedly out of sorts with the world, when he'd heard Horace mention to Freddy that there was a telegram coming through from Sully. It had been easy after that to wait until both men were busy and quickly grab the telegram from the bench where it awaited collection and stuff it into his coat pocket. Nobody would ever suspect the manager of the Chateau of doing such a thing. He'd returned with some haste to his office and perused the telegram over and over. San Francisco! He wondered what they were doing there, and at the same time decided to take action.

Consequently here he was, tired and hungry, on a train steaming towards Salt Lake City. He'd decided to try and do the trip in just two days, but it was having a detrimental effect on him, both physically and mentally. Why was Michaela always so unpredictable. Just when he thought he knew what she was doing, and had planned his next step, she'd disappeared again, just as she had after her graduation all those years ago.

Again he read the telegram. He assumed the 'M' was Miriam. She and Michaela had been firm friends at college. In fact that was how he'd met and fallen so hard for Michaela. He wondered yet again who the 'E' was. He shrugged his shoulders. He didn't really care who it was. Michaela was his prime objective. This time he was going to talk to her, alone. He wasn't sure how he was going to organise it, but he was determined that this time it would indeed happen. He folded the telegram, placed it back in his pocket and prayed that they would soon arrive at their destination. He desperately needed a drink, a hot bath, and perhaps some company.

Chapter 30

"I'm so tired I think I could sleep for a week," murmured Michaela, as she wearily turned back after checking on William in his hotel supplied cot at the foot of the bed.

Sully threw the covers back on her side and she slid in beside him and nestled up against his chest. He pulled her close and drew the covers up over them both. "So ya had a good day?" he asked indulgently.

"Mmmm ... wonderful," she replied with a sigh, wrapping her arm tenderly around him.

"Miriam was surprised ... like ya hoped ..."

"Mmm ... she was," agreed Michaela sleepily. "She's hardly changed at all .. has she Sully?"

"Nah ... looked just the same," he concurred. "I reckon you two could talk for weeks an' not run outta things ta say," he added with a smile.

Michaela chuckled. "You're probably right ..." She paused and Sully thought she may have dropped off to sleep, but then she said softly, "Did you notice she never once mentioned Adrian? She'd have to know he lives in Colorado Springs now ... wouldn't she?"

Sully gently caressed her arm and rejoined, "Either they don' write ... or she has an idea of what went on all those years ago ... an' guessed ya wouldn' wanna talk about him ..."

"Do you think?" asked Michaela softly. "She never let on she knew anything ... I hoped back then she'd talk to him ... but if she did she never told me ..."

"Miriam's a bright lady ... she don' look like she'd miss much ... woulda bin hard for her ... him bein' her brother an' all ..."

"I know.... that's why I never said much about what was happening ... she's my friend ... and I love her ..."

"You're a good friend Michaela ... but sometimes ya can't shield people from things .. even if you'd like to ..." He lovingly kissed her forehead. She sighed, prompting him to add, "We weren't gonna talk about him on this trip ..."

"Mmm ... feels nice to be so far away from him ... and his watchful eyes," she remarked, fighting sleep.

He squeezed her reassuringly and then again tilted his head to kiss her forehead. "Far away Michaela ... an' no reason ta even think o' him ...," he murmured quietly. "Got too many thin's ta do an' see ta be worryin' bout someone who don' matter ..."

She edged up and kissed him lovingly, before once more settling against him. "You're right," she said softly. "Tomorrow Brian goes to see Ethan ..."

"Still don' know if we're doin' the right thing lettin' him go on his own," worried Sully.

"We'll be close by," rejoined Michaela. "You're the one who's been telling me he's a man now ... and perhaps this is something a man has to do ..."

She could feel Sully's muscles tense as he muttered, "We both know what kinda man Ethan is Michaela ... I don' wanna see Brian hurt any more 'an he has been .."

"I don't want that to happen either Sully ... but he'll never be satisfied until he has the opportunity to meet with his father on equal terms ... he's not a little boy anymore ... a little boy who can be duped by a smooth talker .."

This time Sully sighed. "You're right," he returned quietly. "But if I could stop Ethan hurtin' him ..."

"Brian has us Sully ... he knows that ... if Ethan does disappoint him again ..."

"He has us ta fall back on huh?"

"Uh huh ..."

Sully slid down in the bed and whispered lovingly against her ear, "You're a wise woman Michaela Quinn ..."

She kissed his chin and returned, "That's because I have a wise husband ..." She peered up into his eyes inviting his kiss which he gave gladly.

When they separated, Sully asked seductively, "You still tired?"

"Mmm," she rejoined with a smile. "But not too tired ..." She lowered her eyes demurely, knowing the effect it had on her husband.

He growled back in his throat and abruptly rolled her so she was atop him. Their gaze locked. There would be no sleep - just yet.

**********************
Brian fastened the buttons down the front of his best jacket, ran his fingers through his hair, and asked nervously, "How do I look ma?"

Michaela peered up at him from the picnic blanket on which she and the rest of the family sat, and said sincerely, reassuringly, "You look very handsome sweetheart .. very grown up ..."

He nodded, swallowed deeply and then turned away from them to face his daunting destination. Across the narrow, secluded street stood the Beauchamp house. If Miriam's house could be termed 'elegant', the Beauchamp house would have to be termed 'grand'. It stood some fifty yards back from the street, the house and extensive grounds enclosed by very high, wrought-iron gates and fences. Surrounded by manicured gardens the huge, stone house had an isolation, almost a loneliness about it, which did nothing to calm Brian's nerves.

Discovering that the home in which Ethan Cooper resided was on the coast some three miles out of central San Francisco, they'd decided to hire a buggy for the morning and come out here together, although Brian still wanted to go in alone. Good fortune came in the form of a small park or common almost directly across the street. Consequently, a picnic blanket had been spread and the family settled down for a relaxing morning while Brian went to meet his father. He took a deep breath and strode out across the street.

Michaela and Sully watched as he unlatched a small side gate, entered the grounds and then turned to latch the gate again. He gave them a brief, nervous wave before beginning the long walk up the gravel drive to the front door of the imposing residence. He stood for a long time on the doorstep before the door was finally swung open, however he was not immediately invited in. The door closed again and he waited where he was. At last it opened again and he entered, the door swinging shut, thereby ending Michaela and Sully's view of any further goings on.

There was little said between them as they waited with considerable apprehension for Brian to reappear. They really had no idea at all of what might await him inside the private mansion. Desultory remarks were made about Ethan landing on his feet, and the difference between this house and those at home, or even those in the heart of San Francisco for that matter. Katie, full of high spirits, kept them amused as she played in the spring sunshine, demanding that Sully play horsey, or they both join her in hide and seek. However, the adults' prevailing feeling of apprehension persisted.

Only some twenty minutes after Brian had entered the imposing mansion, Sully noticed movement at the door and was surprised to see him emerge and set off up the drive towards them. He nudged Michaela who frowned when she too spied the lonely figure. As he approached, bitter disappointment was clearly written on his face. Neither adult ventured a question, hoping Brian would volunteer information on his own. At last he said quietly, "Pa aint there ... I spoke ta Mr Beauchamp, Lillian's pa ... he said pa was away ..."

"I'm so sorry Brian," Michaela commiserated.

The young man shrugged his shoulders. "I guess I never thought about him not bein' here ... I shoulda ... but I didn' ..." He flopped down onto the picnic blanket, fighting hard to control the tears of disappointment which threatened to fall.

"Did you see Lillian?" asked Michaela. "Or is she with Ethan?"

Brian shrugged his shoulders. "She weren't mentioned ... so I dunno .. but she didn' come out ta see me ..." He looked back towards the grand house. "Its awful big an' cold inside," he said softly. "Hard ta imagine pa livin' in there ..."

"Yes ... yes ... it is indeed," agreed Michaela, also regarding the palatial mansion upon which it was obvious no expense had been spared.

Pulling himself together, Brian straightened and announced, "When I told him you and pa were out here, Mr Beauchamp said he'd like ta meet ya ... said he'd tell me more about pa if you'd come in too ..." His weak smile was rueful. So much for trying to be grown up and independent!

"He wants to see us now?" exclaimed Michaela.

"Uh huh ..."

"But we have the children with us?" she rejoined anxiously.

Sully laid his hand gently over hers. "No use worryin' about 'em Michaela ... he'll have ta take us how we are ... no airs an' graces ..." He turned to Brian. "My guess is you'd like ta hear more about your pa huh?"

Brian nodded. "Uh huh ... even if he's not here ... at least I'll learn more 'an I do from occasional letters ..."

Sully immediately stood and reached out his hand to Michaela. "Right then ... let's go meet Mr Beauchamp ...," he said, drawing her to her feet.

Their knock on the impressive front door was answered by a solemn Chinaman of indeterminate age, dressed in a white tunic and slippers, a long plait hanging down his back. As they stepped inside none of them could prevent being overwhelmed by the dimensions and grandeur of the tiled foyer. Even Katie was for once silent and overawed. They were, however, given little opportunity to linger as the Chinaman led them into an enormous parlour, the décor of which had a distinctly oriental flavour. They sat themselves on the brocade sofas to await their host, finding themselves whispering as one would be inclined to do in a museum or art gallery.

At last Mr Beauchamp entered, holding out his hand to first Sully and then Michaela. He was a man of perhaps sixty-five and of small stature, however his bearing and penetrating, blue-eyed gaze more than made up for his lack of height. His hair was silver grey as was his droopy moustache and his brow seemed to be permanently creased into a frown. The smile he afforded them didn't quite meet his eyes, yet this was not particularly disconcerting as his eyes tended to give the impression of great sadness, rather than any artificiality. After instructing Yi to prepare coffee and cake, he indicated that they should once again be seated and then regarded them carefully before finally speaking. "I hope you don't mind that I asked the young Mr Cooper to bring you over here Mr Sully, Dr Quinn?" he said sincerely.

"Not at all Mr Beauchamp," replied Sully. "Brian's always wanted ta know what his pa's bin doin'."

The old man nodded. "I can understand that," he rejoined.

"He said Ethan's not here?" asked Michaela.

"Ah .. no ... he isn't," rejoined Mr Beauchamp. He took a deep breath. "To be truthful I'm not sure where I should begin," he commented quietly. He regarded Brian sitting tensely on the edge of his seat awaiting information. "Actually I don't expect to see Ethan for at least another four months ...," he finally stated bluntly.

Brian frowned and then, much to his parent's astonishment, said without thinking, "He's in jail?"

The old man smiled ruefully. "No young man ... he's not in jail ... though I see you are under no illusions as to your father's character."

Brian blushed. "I'm sorry ... I dunno why I said that ...," he said, hunching down into the collar of his jacket.

Mr Beauchamp frowned. "Perhaps ... perhaps it would be best if I spoke to your ah .. parents ... alone."

Brian's head shot up and he regarded the old man accusingly. "I aint a kid Mr Beauchamp," he said, striving to keep his voice even. "Ya don' haveta keep things from me ..."

The old man nodded. "Alright ... if that is how you wish it ...," he said quietly. "Perhaps I should start at the beginning ..." He took a deep breath. "The first thing I must tell you is that Lillian passed away this March just gone."

There was a concerted gasp followed by Michaela's, "Oh Mr Beauchamp ... we're so sorry ... she was a lovely young woman ..."

The old man nodded resignedly. "Yes ... yes ... she was ... She was ill for a long time ... It started with a winter cough which just never went away ... consumption they called it in the end ..." He gazed around at the riches of the room in which they sat. "All this ... and I could do nothing to prevent my daughter gradually fading away before my eyes ..." He clenched his hands in his lap. "Until she became ill I knew nothing of your existence Brian ... nor your sister ... Colleen isn't it ... or your brother ...," he announced solemnly.

"Matthew ..."

"Uh yes ... Matthew ..." He edged back into the depths of his chair and continued wearily, "As I said ... Lillian was ill for many months ... We set up a bed for her in the conservatory where she could see the garden ... she loved the garden ... and we'd talk ... for hours on end ..."

"And Ethan?" asked Michaela quietly.

Mr Beauchamp shrugged his shoulders. "He was rarely here ... He seemed to take a rare dislike to the smell and stigma of sickness ..." He again peered across at Brian. "I'm sorry young man ... I'll try not to be too critical .."

"Just say the truth Mr Beauchamp," rejoined Brian with a frown. "I'd rather ya did that than hide thin's from me ... please .."

The old man frowned and then nodded. "Very well ... when Lillian was so ill she told me many things of which I'd been unaware ... or perhaps not understood ... I was most surprised to learn of you and your brother and sister ... Ethan had never mentioned he had children ..." He sighed. "It seemed Lillian had always felt deep regret ... even guilt ... about what happened when she and Ethan visited Colorado Springs ... How many years ago is it now?"

"It was before Sully and I were married Mr Beauchamp," said Michaela quietly. "And we've just celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary.

The old man nodded. "She spoke of the three of you with great fondness Brian, and she also told me about Ethan's plans to reclaim you and your sister ... Mr Sully, Dr Quinn ... I suppose you know that my fortune was to be held in trust for my grandchildren?" Michaela and Sully nodded, while Brian looked puzzled. Mr Beauchamp sought to explain, "Ethan thought that by bringing you and your sister back here he could access some of that fortune .."

"Through us," muttered Brian resignedly.

"Yes ... However, as you know ... Lillian could not bear to see you and your sister unhappy ..." He took a deep, settling breath. "It broke Lillian's heart to discover she could not bear children ... She was diagnosed during that same trip east," the old man continued.

Michaela nodded. "I was the one who examined her and discovered the problem," she explained quietly. "In my medical clinic in Colorado Springs."

"Ah," muttered Mr Beauchamp with a nod. "She was never the same after that ... there was always a sadness about her ... She'd have made a wonderful mother ..."

"Yes ... yes she would," agreed Michaela. "And I know if Brian and Colleen had come back here with them they'd have been in very good hands."

"But this was not where they belonged," responded Mr Beauchamp with regret. "Lillian knew it ... she could see where they would be most happy."

"She said that?" asked Sully quietly.

"Mmm ... many times ... As I said ... we talked for hours when she was so ill ..."

"So now ... with Miss Lillian .. ah .. gone, pa don' live here anymore?" asked Brian with a puzzled frown.

"Well ... I suppose this could still be termed his place of residence ... however it has now become necessary for him to ... let's say ... earn his living ...," rejoined the old man. "Consequently ... he is currently on one of my clippers heading for Sydney Australia ... I estimate that, barring adverse weather conditions, they should have left the Hawaiian Islands some two weeks ago, heading south west ..."

"He's workin' on a ship?" asked Brian incredulously, even he having difficulty imagining his father labouring on a ship.

"Well ... yes and no ... he's responsible for ensuring that the ship's cargo of high quality American cotton is delivered in good condition and then the ship is reloaded with fine Australian merino wool for the return voyage," explained Mr Beauchamp. "If both cargoes are delivered safely and in good condition he earns a hefty bonus. I could not completely abandon the man my daughter loved. I'm sorry Brian ... but I've often wondered *what* exactly it was she loved about him ..." He shook his head. "So now I am alone .. I have all this ... and no-one to share it with ..."

There was a long silence as each adult's thoughts centred on what could have been. Then Yi arrived with coffee and tempting cake and Katie ensured that she made friends with the old man who seemed to be almost swallowed up by the giant chair in which he sat.

As Mr Beauchamp sipped at his coffee he eyed Brian with interest. "So .. tell me young man ... about yourself ... your schooling, friends, plans ... and of course your brother and sister ..."

When Brian realised the old man was genuinely interested, he spoke of finishing school, his life with his adoptive parents in Colorado Springs, his married sister and soon to be married brother, his love of writing, his indecision about college. Michaela and Sully sat back and let him talk. Although Ethan was absent, Mr Beauchamp provided a tenuous link to him that they were unable to match.

Of course, during this quiet time with Mr Beauchamp, William woke in need of nursing and Michaela had to embarrassedly excuse herself for a short while. The old man seemed unconcerned however, thereby putting her at ease.

When she returned from the small, comfortable room to which she had been led by Yi, Mr Beauchamp glanced at the large, ornate clock on the mantle and proclaimed, "You will stay to luncheon with me ... won't you? ... It is seldom I have young people to talk to ... especially those who have nothing to do with my business ..."

"But the children?" protested Michaela.

The old man glanced down at the tiny honey blond who had seated herself comfortably beside him in the large chair and chuckled. "I do believe Yi can find something to tempt the palate of a little one ..."

"Ah ... that aint usually the problem sir," responded Sully with a knowing smile. "Little ones have a way of sorta takin' over ... without anyone realisin' ..."

The old man shrugged his shoulders. "I'm sure we will be able to accommodate any need this dear little one might have ... So you'll stay?"