Usual Disclaimer: Just taking our friends out to play, will put them back when I’m Done!
A Promise/A Favor/A Savior
Pt.1
There was barely a breeze at sun-up about 10 miles outside of Dodge on a farm, now owned by
Patrick Kinkade, and his family, they were relatively new to Dodge…They were Immigrants from Ireland
living on their new Farm almost one year now. Their was Patrick, his Wife Mary, their two sons, Patrick Jr. and Sean, and two Daughter’s Maura and Molly. They were up and work was started.. plowing to be done, animals to be feed, many things needing to be done before breakfast,…The family hadn’t made many trips into town.., Patrick was a very stern man with his family, although he himself would make trips in several times…what he called ‘A Man’s Right …To have His Refreshment”… had been many times he would get a bit drunk,…but Kitty always let Sam know when to cut him off as she usually did with some of the cowboys and regulars that had a little to much…knowing they usually didn’t mean any harm…
Patrick ,Quickly hitched up the wagon, even before breakfast…, Poppa?… you heading into town? Pat Jr. asked. Yes son I need some supplies, and need to check on some orders.. I spect’ chores be taking care of fore’ I get back.. ya hear…? Poppa.., Sean and The girls…can…Well, alright Son.. come’on…
Watching from the barn, where she was Milkin’ the cow for breakfast, was Molly…wide-eyed…
As they left, she ran with bucket in hand, into the house… Ma’!…Ma’! Poppa and Pat Jr. rode off…
Even before breakfast… where too child?.. dunno? Guess it be Men’s business… let’s get the food on the table.. com’on as they sat to the table,… Sean, Maura and Molly looked to one another.. then to their Ma’
Maura and Molly,… sat along side one another…slightly touched hand…then hung their heads…
Sean, son say the Blessing please? Yes Ma’am… and he went on to say a Prayer….
As Patrick and Pat Jr. pulled down Front St. just in front of Mr. Jonas’ store,… Doc was crossing the Street.. Well, Good Morning Mr. Kinkade… Pat? Fine Morning isn’t it? Good Morning Doctor.
What brings you two in at such an early hour?… Oh, Doctor Adams , early Bird catches the Worm…
My father always said ,.. Must keep your eyes open at all times,.. You never know what you will miss?
Just as he was talking …, Kitty came out of Mr. Jonas’ store… Well, Good Morning… and How are you this Morning? With a bright smile. Young Pat Jr. , looked with a questioning expression… Poppa?
Rubbing his mustache, Doc suddenly said. Young Pat,…This Is Miss Kitty Russell, she owns The Long Branch Saloon. She a Friend of mine. In a gaze the young boy , took her hand , Nice to meet you Ma’am !
Nice to meet you too…ahhhhh! Pat Ma’am Pat Kinkade.. and this here is my Poppa’ Not letting on to the Boy… well it nice to meet you Both!.. if you will excuse me.. I have errands to run…young Pat watched her as she walked down the board walk…Poppa? Do all the Woman in Dodge look like that? Doc Just laughed. We have work to do Son! Mr. Kinkade, I hear you have a little one who may need Doctoring..?
If you bring her into town I… Before Doc could finish, …I’m a busy man Doctor…that won’t be needed.
Well I can come out to the farm?…Kinkade just turned and walked away.
Doc, didn’t push things, he walked over to the Long Branch, to have Coffee with Kitty….
So, Young lady I see you have an admirer?… What? She said. You have an admirer.. he repeated.
Tossing a napkin at him,… Oh You! Cut that out …he’s just a Boy! Yeah but all men were just a boy at one time weren’t they? Maybe this will keep the big lug civil servant on his toes?….Oh Curly!
Kitty, doc said tugging on his ear … would you be willing to take a ride with me out to the Kinkade farm?
Furrowing her brow,… someone sick ? Not sure Kitty.? Bess mentioned that she saw Mrs. Kinkade
And her Girls …and the girls didn’t look well to her…I asked him to bring them in but he refused.
Well Doc , he’s a proud and stubborn man… Oh, you’ve met him before?… shaking her head, Oh Yeah!
Right here in the Long Branch. He’s a regular. A regular who likes his whiskey and his woman!
I didn’t say anything out there because of the boy. It was obvious he had no idea …his father comes in town to drink…Or, I don’t think so? But, Yeah, If you need me to go I’ll go.. just let me know when…?
Thanks Kitty! I’ll see ya Later ok? Sure Doc.
Patrick and Pat Jr. made it back to the farm mid-afternoon, the kids were still doing chores,… Mary was sitting in the living doing some mending, while cooking supper… Patrick hated his meals being late.
Bursting through the door, Where the children?… shaking… ummm , ummm doing chores
Maura is feeding the horses… and Molly is… ahhhh get me some coffee woman and stop you blubbering!
I’ll be back ..I want to wash up….. Patrick was gone for about fifteen minutes.. when he came back…
Where’s my supper?…you know I told you about having my supper on time!… it right here Dear….
Mary quickly began serving his plate. Then went to the door, Children ..she shouted… Supper!
Shut the Door Woman they know what time supper is around here… Just then Sean came in …
From the field…began to wash up…. Behind him Maura,… horses all feed Ma’… where’s your sister?
Mary asked. I’ll go get her…as she turned to go out Molly came in sniffling…sorry I’m late Ma’
Molly what happened to you your all dirty.. I was down by the creek… and I … Can We eat supper in Peace ? Sit and eat or go to your room and go without supper! Yes Sir Poppa’!
They all sat in quiet through-out the remainder of the meal…..
TBC
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