Posted August 11, 2018 | JP with Jonah Danforth (Bongo)

Harriet studied Danforth. She did not want to scare the man away. Kalispell needed professional people. They were as important to the town's success as the ranchers, farmers and tradespeople. Sadly, most easterners were not prepared for life in the Montana territory. Indian conflicts were on the rise, the winters were brutal, and months of hard work could be wiped out by one bad storm or an early freeze. Even those that did not depend on the land for their survival often felt overwhelmed and left.

"Right now, the only doctors in the area are the two stationed at the fort and Dr. Handel in Whitefish. He uses a room at the White Rose twice a month for seeing patients. He is an older gentleman and dislikes traveling," Harriet answered. "The fort allows the use of its infirmary and hospital for severe cases. There are a couple of women that do midwifery and my younger sister trained with the Sisters of Mercy in Sacramento."

After supplying the doctor with the information he had asked for, Harriet had a question of her own, "Why Montana, Doctor? Not many professionals are attracted to its smaller towns."

Jonah shrugged. "Needed a change, I was getting tired of cities, the crowds and politics." Certainly he wasn't going to mention a mayor's daughter, nor some habits that people tended to consider barbaric at least, although those people were pretty closed-minded when it came to research and discovery. "I'm just hoping for...peace."

Then he laughed. "I know, this is wild and untamed territory, but 'tame' can be pretty uncivilized, to be honest, only they stalk you from behind. At least here, it meets you head on." He grinned. "And the ladies are more genuine, I think."

"You might be surprised, Dr. Danforth. Indians and outlaws can be pretty sneaky although I will agree with you about most of the women out here," Harriet replied. She was quiet for a moment, "At least, so it would seem based on my experiences in San Francisco and back east. This land is not easy and can be quite unforgiving. The rewards, however, are worth the struggle."

"It's interesting that the adjectives are the same, regardless of the region or subjects." Until she had made her observation, he'd never really noticed...but then, he wasn't much into contemplating such things. "After all, professionals and politicians can be sneaky and underhanded as well." He chuckled. "Present company excepted, of course!"

He gave her a teasing wink. "It is just the way of mankind, I'm afraid...oh, I'm not saying that all men are good or evil, I just think that that distinction has little to do with parentage or circumstance per sae." He laughed again. "But, I am not a philosopher, and have little interest in the workings of the mind."

"In my profession," Harriet said, her eyes alight with humor, "it pays to be a student of human nature. I dislike learning that the client I am defending is, in fact, guilty of the crimes they are charged with. I do agree that the majority of people, no matter their circumstances, are rarely all good or all bad. Even lawyers and politicians." She laughed, finding that she was quite enjoying the exchange with Danforth.

"Oh, I can imagine." He chuckled. "I've come across people who pretty much will themselves to be ill. I don't know why, I suppose looking for attention, or sympathy, or maybe to avoid responsibilities..." He shrugged. "Some people just want to be sick, but there isn't necessarily any empirical evidence. Of course, snake oil salesmen count on that."

"Precisely! And snake oil salesmen can be found in all walks of life," Harriet gathered her handbag and looked around for the rest of the Lost Lake party. "I should find my friends, especially if I am going to be out again tomorrow. Should I meet you after Mass? Perhaps outside the Belle-St. Regis?"

Jonah stood with her and nodded, smiling. "That sounds perfect. I look forward to it." Well, this would be a good introduction to town, and a chance to be in the company of a pretty lady.