"Thank you, Speed, I appreciate the kind words." This was hard enough, but she couldn't imagine having to deal with something like this not knowing who the lawmen were that she was dealing with, so that was a definite advantage. Of course, it could be a disadvantage as well, as people might suspect them of covering up the truth, or flat-out lying about it. That was something they'd have to deal with if it happened, and she really did have every confidence that the townsfolk knew her and Barnabas, that they were good people.
She picked up Wheeler before settling in her chair, then asked Speed, "How are the wedding plans coming?" Then, glancing at Angie, "The good marshal has been wrangled by the fair Miss Fletcher, and is soon to be a married man!"
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Speed grinned. "Comin' along, suit's being made, she's working with that Mister Pettigrew about her dress, 'er gown, whichever." He shook his head. "Now there's talk of a breakfast the day of and a supper after the last rehearsal. I never heard of such a thing, but whatever she wants."
"Looks like we missed out here, Em, maybe we oughtta do 'er again and have them meals an' the dresses, maybe not no suit though. 'at was okay for Frisco, an' Virginia City," Barnabas said, but not seriously unless Em had thoughts about it.
"By this time tomorrow, it'll all be over with." Speed said. "None of this should be much of anything at all." Speed assured her that at least he was sure that it wouldn't be.
"Thank you, Speed, although I'm glad it's too late to go into town tonight." It would be nice to have some time to mentally prepare, but she was certain she'd be awake all night, going over the events in her head, and trying not to go over the events in her head! Not only that, Emeline was worried that she'd have nightmares, so staying awake was a great option!
"I'll have to look up Alice if she's in town and see if I can help out with the wedding." She laughed. "I know for certain she's going to need lace curtains!"
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
"Well, I know that Alice would love to see you and Wheeler and spend some time, it's been a while, but then, out here, it's not like walking across the street from one place to another. Maybe one day, but horses are still faster than walking." He made light of what was everyday life with a smile. "I'm sure Barnabas and I'll find something to do while you two visit."
If they could only see what was just over the horizon, they would be amazed at what was coming, but then, that was simply not possible.
"Yeah, I'm sure we'd find us somethin' inter'sting ta o with ourselves," Pike said, smiling at the thought, once this law business was taken care of and they got a read on this new County Sheriff.
\
"I've every confidence that you gentlemen will find a way to keep yourself busy. For now, it's been a long day and we have to be up early."
Emeline rose, a bit slowly, then addressed Angie. "If you come with me, Doctor, I'll get you something to wear for the night and help you get settled." She grinned. "Barnabas can see to Speed. We've plenty of room, or we can set up something in the sick-room if you prefer."
Barnabas and Speed would surely see to setting watch on Big Sis...
"I'll be fine wherever there's room. I don't mean to be an imposition." Angie replied as they all began to get up from the table. It was late, and there was a big day ahead for all of them, especially Big Sis
"You ain't no imposition, Doc, you're a blessing. I thank you for making the trip out here. Not at all what was expected, thank the Good Lord for big favors. Hon, you need help with Wheeler 'er anything?" Barnabas asked once they were all on their feet.
"I can ride on back, Alice knows where I am, but she's liable to be some worried if I don't show up, andthere's a good enough moon for me to make it back in pretty good time, but thanks for the offer, and we'll meet up when you get there. How's that?" Speed responded to the offer.
"Sure, sure, we'll be there with bells on, count on it!" Barnabas said with a grin.
"Thank you for coming out on such short notice, Speed." Se gave the man a light hug. "Be safe and give Alice our greetings."
Then she handed Wheeler to Barnabas. "If you could get him settled, I'd appreciate that. I'll just be a minute while I get Angie set up."
There was a spare room next to the room where the patient was, so that would be convenient. "The room only has the basics just yet," she told Angie as she led the way, "but the bed is new and there are plenty of quilts. Would you like me to grab you a nightdress?"
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
"Not an imposition, been a real pleasure once we got past the unpleasantries of the thing. I'll look forward to seeing the three of you and not to worry about a thing." Speed replied. Then he turned to Branabas, "So far as that new County Sheriff is concerned, like I said, I haven't even met him yet. But I'm sure he's a good man if Sam Houser sent him, anyway, Pard, see ya when you get to town." With that, he showed himself out when Em said,
"If you could get him settled, I'd appreciate that. I'll just be a minute while I get Angie set up."
"Oh sure, 'mon little man." He said as he took his son. It had been a day to remember, a busy, fretful day, but all was right in their world now.
There was a spare room next to the room where the patient was, so that would be convenient. "The room only has the basics just yet," she told Angie as she led the way, "but the bed is new and there are plenty of quilts. Would you like me to grab you a nightdress?"
"Yes, that would be just fine," Referring to the room. "And a nightdress? That would be splendid. I'm afraid I didn't think to bring anything with me. It's not like Chicago, where I could catch a carriage to take me home. I think I'll need to have a bag along with me for these house calls that they want to offer." She admitted. "Such things are commonplace in the cities and out in the countryside. I'm sure that it's nothing new out here either; I was just not as prepared as I should have been."
"I was not prepared, either," Emeline chuckled, rummaging through a drawer in the chifferobe. "And I think you needn't worry too much if you are called out of town. Families will provide for you, one way or another, sand gladly, too."
She pulled a linen nightdress from the drawer and shook out the wrinkles. "Honestly, I think most people around here would find it an honor to provide for your comfort, and trying to organize for your needs would distract them from their troubles."
Grining, she handed the nightgown over. "Such as I! For a moment I'm able to think on something else!"