Page 39 of The Gold Rush Bride

The doctor, an older man with graying brown hair and spectacles, clasped it in both of his. “Mrs. Drake. So nice to finally meet you. There was quite a sensation when you arrived in town. I’d heard there was a stampede.” He released her hand.

“Yes, a misunderstanding on my part. I had no idea the presence of a mere woman would have such an effect. Of course, I didn’t know women were in such short supply, either.”

The doctor laughed. “Well, what can I do for you today?”

“My wife believes she’s expecting and would like you to confirm it.”

“How far along do you think you are?” asked the doctor.

Barnaby looked over at Sadie.

“A little over two months.”

“That’s very early. I’d prefer to wait for at least another month or two, so there is no question about what I’m feeling. A physical exam is the only way to confirm a pregnancy, but I prefer not to do them early due to other possible sensations.”

“Are there any physical signs I should watch for?” asked Sadie.

“Have you been nauseous in the mornings, usually to the point of vomiting?” asked Dr. Kitteridge.

“She’s not been sick in the morning. I remember that with my first wife. She couldn’t keep down breakfast for a good three months.”

Sadie’s eyes widened. “Three months!”

Barnaby nodded. “She wasnothappy about it either.”

The doctor chuckled. “No, I imagine she wasn’t, but after that stopped, she was probably very happy about expecting a new life.”

Barnaby gazed at Sadie. “Yes, she was.”

“Well, I’m happy now and I will remain happy regardless of how sick I get. I can’t imagine not being happy about expecting a baby.”I wish he wouldn’t talk about his first wife. What if his feelings for me never change because he’s still in love with her?

The doctor clasped his hands in front of him. “We’ll see how you feel in a month or so, after you’ve been having morning sickness.”

“Maybe I won’t get morning sickness.” She gazed at the doctor with hope in her eyes. “I don’t have to get it, do I?”

“No, indeed, but seventy to eighty percent of women do for one length of time or another.”

Sadie’s shoulders slumped. “Oh.”

Barnaby placed his arm around her shoulders. “It’s all right. We’ll get through it together.”

She peered up at him, unconvinced. “If you say so.”

“Doctor,” said Barnaby. “I’d also like to know if you have had Homer Grimes as a patient? He would have had a foot wound.”

The doctor frowned. “I can’t talk about patients or their medical history. I’m sorry.”

“That’s all right. I had to ask since my wife is the one who shot him. We’re on our way to see the Mounties now.”

The doctor gazed at Sadie. “I’m guessing that Homer is the one who gave you those two black eyes and swollen nose.”

She nodded. “Yes, sir, he is. I intend to press charges for attempted rape.”

Doctor Kitteridge took her hand again. “I’m so sorry, my dear. Do you mind if I have a look at your injuries?”

“No, sir. Go ahead, but I don’t know what you can do for me now. Everything is starting to heal and Barnaby doesn’t care if I have a crooked nose.”

“I think I’ll have a look, anyway.” He gently pressed on her right cheek.