Posted March 31, 2019
"They are fortunate to have you as an advocate," Jonah commented, admiring her fire and passion. Indeed, he couldn't imagine anyone putting more effort into a cause they believed in. "And I'm glad you were able to do what is best for the children. Sounds like this 'Steelegrave' is only interested in their holdings and not their well-being." And old story, predators preying on the weak.
"I hope the children are healthy, but if they ever need care, I'm more than happy to see after them." Not that he even had to say that. "I'll be sure to be wary of Steelegraves', it's good to be forewarned." If he was going to align with factions in town, it would be with Miss Mercer and her allies. "I'm glad you'll have a good place to work from in town, then, and establish yourself...and it's not a problem to have a good attorney on hand, just in case!" He gave her a quick wink.
Posted April 7, 2019
The more that Jonah talked, the better Harriet liked him. He had a quiet and calm manner that had to go a long way to inspire confidence in his patients. "The Steelgraves are dedicated to power and wealth," she agreed. "I am sure they were behind Tyndal's lawsuit. The old man, Elias Steelgrave, runs the show." Harriet affirmed Jonah's conclusions.
"The twins are healthy overall right now. However, I am sure there will be bumps, scrapes, and illnesses in the future. They are very active children," Harriet smiled as she thought of some of the hijinks the twins got up to. "Cody saw what happened to his parents and older siblings and is still dealing with that. He has become very reserved, wary and shy."
Harriet frowned slightly, "He has also started experiencing night terrors although he doesn't recall what happened. Cody seems to have blocked the attack completely out."
Posted April 11, 2019
"I've certainly heard of children doing that before," Jonah commented, "even adults sometimes seem to forget, at least details, if not a whole incident. Some just don't acknowledge it at all, as if not speaking of it will mean it didn't happen."
Of course, no one wanted to dwell on horrible things, but ignoring them didn't do anything but let it fester.
"I can suggest something to help his sleep, if you'd like. Not laudanum," he added quickly, "I don't care to give that to children except in extreme circumstances. No, I mean herbs, like Valerian or Saint John's Wort. Most of the bigger cities have shops you can order them from. I know of one in St. Louis."
If it would help the poor kid sleep and not dread having nightmares, all the better!
Posted April 26, 2019
"Perhaps," Harriet acknowledged in regard to Jonah's suggestion that they try Valerian or St. John's Wort for Cody. "I think that both should come in for a general check-up first."
By now they had gotten the picnic supplies packed up and stored back in the buggy. Harriet quickly and expertly hitched up the big gray. After tugging one last strap into place, she gave the horse a slice of apple as a reward for being so well-mannered. Once they were both settled into the buggy, Harriet turned Rory's head back for town and set him trotting at a leisurely pace.
"I will check with the twins' guardians and then make arrangements to bring them to see you," Harriet said to Jonah. "Or, perhaps, have you up to the ranch to meet them and stay for lunch - or dinner? The house is quite a distance from town so you would need to plan an overnight stay if your preference is for dinner." Laura Hale had mentioned that it was about time to start entertaining the occasional guest again and Harriet found Jonah to be excellent company.
Posted May 2, 2019
"Oh, well, certainly you are right, that the children should be examined." Jonah nodded as he settled into the seat beside her. "And I certainly wouldn't mind going out there. In fact, they'd be more comfortable in a familiar setting, so it would be easier to work with them." Not only that, but it would mean more time with Miss Harriet, not a bad prospect.
"Lunch or dinner, whichever you think it best." He shrugged. "If we have to spend the night, that would be fine, it would be a good opportunity for me to see more of the countryside, and I haven't built up a clientele yet." For a while, at least, he wasn't likely to be missed at night, especially until he cold set up shop. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to start making connections with the area's prominent citizens.
Posted May 2, 2019
"Dinner then," Harriet said firmly. "It is time we started having guests are the ranch again. Besides that, having the Thorntons as patients will help you get your practice started. Almost everyone knows the Thorntons or knows of them. I can also enlist their assistance with our property renovations and clean-up. I will see which day will be the most convenient and send you word."
Mindful of the speed laws in town, Harriet slowed the buggy as they entered the outskirts of Kalispell. She slanted a glance at Jonah, "Thank you for a lovely day, Jonah. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. And thank you also for the office space. I need to get back to work." What she did not add was that if she were in town, she might be able to garner more information about what had happened to Chance and Regina Thornton. If, as Quentin and Shade suspected, their deaths were not entirely a random act of violence by rogue Indians, then she wanted to know who to prosecute.
Posted May 8, 2019
"It is I who should thank you," Jonah commented with a smile as he stepped out of the buggy, giving her a jaunty tip of his hat. "Not only was the scenery beautiful and the food tasty, but the company was charming, and I now have an office and home, to boot, and for that I am indebted to you."
Stepping back, he gave her another nod. "Let me know about supper, and when you'd like to get together to discuss the details on the building."
He was new to town, but so far things were going well...maybe he'd even stay for a while!