16. Chapter 16
September brought crisp mornings and golden afternoons to Crawford Ranch.
The summer fever epidemic had finally passed, leaving the community to resume normal routines with renewed appreciation for life's simple blessings.
Claudine stood on the front porch watching Michael and Lucy ride toward the barn after their morning visit to the north pasture, the child's laughter carrying clearly through the autumn air.
Lucy had recovered fully from her illness, regaining her strength and energy over the past three weeks. She had returned to school lessons in town three days a week, proudly telling anyone who would listen that her mama had saved not just her but many others during the terrible fever.
Inside the house, Claudine reviewed her preparations for the afternoon.
Today marked the official opening of what the community had begun calling "Mrs. Crawford's Clinic"—a modest medical practice established in the converted north room of their home.
With Michael's encouragement and Tom's capable carpentry, they had transformed the space into a functional examination room with a separate waiting area.
A knock at the kitchen door announced Mrs. Peterson's arrival, her arms laden with fresh-baked bread and preserved fruit. "For your patients," she explained, setting her offerings on the table. "Though I suspect most will come as much to thank you as to seek treatment."
"You're too kind," Claudine protested, though pleased by the community's support. The fever crisis had transformed her standing in Pine Creek from respected newcomer to essential member of the community.
"Merely truthful," Mrs. Peterson insisted. "Doc Miller tells anyone who'll listen that your medical knowledge saved dozens during the outbreak."
Claudine accepted the compliment with quiet grace. "How is your niece feeling? Has the cough improved?"
"Much better after that syrup you prepared." Mrs. Peterson busied herself arranging her contributions. "Will you be riding to town tomorrow for your day at Doc Miller's office?"
"Yes, weather permitting." Claudine checked her medical supplies one final time. "Michael will drive Lucy to school and me to town together."
Since the epidemic, Doc Miller had established a permanent office in Pine Creek.
The arrangement they had established worked remarkably well.
One day weekly, Claudine assisted him in town, learning from his decades of experience while contributing her more formal hospital training.
Another day she held clinic hours at the ranch, serving neighboring families who found the location more convenient than town.
The schedule allowed her to maintain her household responsibilities while utilizing her medical skills for the wider community.
Michael and Lucy returned from the barn, the child chattering excitedly about the new foal they had visited. "Mama, she let me touch her nose! Papa says she's the gentlest of this year's foals."
"Wonderful news," Claudine replied, helping Lucy remove her coat. "Now wash up quickly. Mrs. Billings will be here soon to collect you for school."
As Lucy scampered to obey, Michael joined Claudine in the kitchen, accepting the coffee she offered. "Nervous about your first official clinic day?" he asked perceptively.
"A little," Claudine admitted. "Though most who'll come today have already received my care during the epidemic."
"The ranch hands are planning to find mysterious ailments requiring immediate attention," Michael informed her with a hint of humor. "Especially Charlie, who believes you walk on water since his recovery."
Claudine laughed, the sound coming more freely these days. "I'll be sure to treat their 'mysterious ailments' with appropriate seriousness."
Michael's hand covered hers briefly. "You've brought healing to more than just the sick," he said quietly. "This entire community has been strengthened by your presence."
Before Claudine could respond, Lucy returned, face and hands freshly washed. "Mrs. Billings is coming up the drive," she reported. "With Jenny Miller too!"
The arrival of Lucy's school companion signaled the start of their busy day.
After seeing Lucy off to school, Claudine put final touches on the clinic space while Michael handled ranch matters.
By midmorning, the first patients began arriving—Mrs. Taylor with her infant son's rash, elderly Mr. Wilson seeking relief from rheumatic pains, and young Jimmy Peterson with a splinter embedded too deeply for his mother to remove.
Claudine treated each with thorough attention, applying both her formal training and practical wisdom gleaned from working alongside Doc Miller.
Between patients, she recorded treatments in the leather journal Michael had given her, maintaining careful documentation as she had learned during hospital work.
Shortly before noon, Tom Harris appeared in the doorway. "Got a letter for you, Mrs. Crawford," he announced, extending a slightly crumpled envelope. "Came with the mail pouch from Helena."
Claudine accepted it with thanks, noting the Chicago postmark with surprise. Few connections remained from her former life, Mrs. Halloway's boarding house being her only regular correspondent.
"Something important?" Michael asked, entering as Tom departed.
"I'm not certain." Claudine examined the unfamiliar handwriting. "It's from Chicago, but I don't recognize the sender."
"Read it later," Michael suggested. "Jeb's wife is waiting with the children. Something about earaches after swimming in the creek."
Claudine nodded, tucking the letter into her apron pocket for later consideration. The remainder of the afternoon passed quickly with a steady stream of patients—minor ailments, though Claudine suspected some visits were motivated by curiosity about the new clinic arrangement.
By late afternoon, when the final patient had departed, Claudine felt pleasantly tired but satisfied with the day's work. She had treated fourteen people, none seriously ill but all deeply appreciative of care available closer than Helena or even Pine Creek.
"Successful first day?" Michael asked, finding her organizing supplies after the last visitor left.
"Very," Claudine confirmed. "Though I suspect several ranch hands exaggerated their symptoms considerably."
Michael chuckled. "Charlie's mysterious back pain disappeared remarkably quickly when Tom mentioned fence repairs needed attention."
"And Jeb's headache improved instantly when his wife reminded him about chopping firewood," Claudine added, joining his laughter.
The easy companionship between them had deepened since Lucy's illness, moving beyond partnership and respect into genuine joy in one another's company. Michael reached for Claudine's hand, drawing her close for a brief kiss.
"I'm proud of you," he said simply.
"Thank you for making this possible," Claudine replied. "Not every husband would support his wife establishing a medical practice in their home."
"Not every husband is fortunate enough to have a wife with your capabilities," Michael countered. "Besides, it benefits the entire community. Doc Miller can't possibly serve everyone adequately alone."
The mention of the elderly physician prompted Claudine to check the time. "Lucy should be returning from town soon. Mrs. Billings promised to bring her home after school."
As if summoned by her words, the sound of an approaching wagon reached them. Lucy bounded through the door moments later, her school satchel bouncing against her side.
"Mama! Papa! The teacher says I read better than anyone in my group," she announced proudly. "And I remembered all my numbers correctly."
"Excellent work," Michael praised, lifting her for a quick embrace. "Perhaps you inherited your mama's intelligence along with her determination."
The casual reference to Claudine as Lucy's parent warmed her heart. Though Lucy occasionally mentioned her "first mama," she had fully accepted Claudine as her mother in every way that mattered.
"Did you help sick people today?" Lucy asked, turning to Claudine with eager interest.
"Several," Claudine confirmed. "Including Jenny's grandmother with her arthritis."
"Jenny says you're the best doctor ever," Lucy reported. "Even better than Doc Miller because you smell nicer and don't have scratchy whiskers."
Michael laughed outright at this assessment. "High praise indeed."
After supper, with Lucy tucked into bed following her evening prayers, Claudine remembered the letter still waiting in her apron pocket. She retrieved it while Michael reviewed ranch accounts at his desk in the study.
Breaking the seal, she unfolded the paper inside, her expression changing rapidly from curiosity to shock as she read the contents.
"Claudine?" Michael looked up, alerted by her sudden intake of breath. "What is it?"
"It's from Agnes Pemberton," Claudine replied, her voice unsteady. "The daughter of the woman who died under my care in Chicago."
Michael set aside his ledger, giving her his full attention. "What does she want?"
"To apologize," Claudine said wonderingly. "She writes that Dr. Elliott has confessed to falsifying his testimony against me. The hospital board has officially cleared my name."
Michael moved to her side, reading over her shoulder as Claudine continued aloud.
"'Father and I deeply regret the pain and professional damage our accusations caused you,'" she read.
"'Dr. Elliott has been removed from his position at Mercy Hospital pending further investigation.
The board wishes to offer formal apology and reinstatement should you choose to return to Chicago. '"
"Reinstatement," Michael repeated, his voice measured. "They're offering your position back."
"So it seems." Claudine stared at the letter, emotions churning too rapidly to identify. After months of accepting her ruined reputation as permanent, vindication had arrived unexpectedly.
"How do you feel about this?" Michael asked quietly.