LF writer- A wagon Westward

[Artemidorus]

A wagon Westward

((Looking for writer for the male character in this story, set in late west era America. The Doctor I'm looking for is a handsome, charming, man. I will play his young nurse assistant. PM me your chapter before posting. Looking to play an inexperienced woman finding her sexual awakening, and her growing relationship with the doctor, who both of them are fighting for the sake of professionalism.))

Aira Cafferty was raised in a small town in the dust bowl. Her father came over from England before she was born to buy his own plantation, and despite how much he had to put out to get the farm started, he was doing well. Well enough to support her and her mother, well enough to send Aira to a good private school, and when the time came, a good college. In fact, at 18 she was the most well read woman in town, possibly in the whole state.

So when she finally became a nurse, her father was proud. Thrilled that she was going to give back to the town. Undoubtedly pining for the money she would make working for a doctor. But when she told him she planned on moving away from Mayfield to practice with a doctor in the city, he was furious.

But Aira had already packed her things. Already put out a classified in the news paper. Already found a job. A real doctor of medicine who went to school in the city had sent her a telegram. He was looking for a nurse to travel with him by wagon to the various plantations, out to California to the miners and even to the major cities around the blossoming west.

Aira accepted immediately, and the doctor was coming to get her that afternoon. Her father refused to see her off, but her mother hugged her goodbye and kissed her cheek.

https://i.imgur.com/OcgFQ8O.jpg

 

[Artemidorus]

Any takers?

 

[Artemidorus]

message me if interested

 

[Homerun2611]

William "Bill or Billy Cassidy"

William was the youngest child of the Baltimore Cassidy's. His father William Cassidy Sr. Had been a decorated Colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War and had been able to translate his war record into being the owner of one of the larger steel mills in the Maryland/Virginia corridor with exclusive state contracts to supply much of the railway being built in the mid atlantic region.

His son William, hated the mills, hated his nearly always drunken father, hated how he treated both his dear mother Melissa and his younger sister, Katherine. Luckily his father wanted to keep up with the other "new wealth" and sent his children off to private schools in Virginia. It was there that Billy started to get interested in medicine. Medical schools were beginning to open across the country, and Northwestern University, in the "western" city of Chicago, had opened a medical school just 20 years ago that was already receiving renown.

Billy applied and was easily accepted. He graduated at the top of his class, and opened a practice in the growing city. However, he loved to read, and as he tended to the bunions and colds of the city's wealthier individuals, he longed for adventure. Every chance he had, he read about the exploration of the west and the miners all the way out in San Francisco. He also read about the health issues plaguing the adventurers and thought he could make a difference.

He was already 28, almost middle aged, and he wanted to make his mark. He ran an add, and sent it out to all of the nursing college, he would need an assistant. He had his family money, and would pay well, but it might be dangerous. He was excited, and when he received the letter from Aira, he was very impressed. She was young, but she seemed to have substance, a trait sorely lacking in the wealthy daughters who he was constantly being set up with. She could be a help and a reasonable companion, learned, and willing to risk her safety to make a difference...

 

[Artemidorus]

Aira waited, nervously. Her worries welled up in her stomach like restless insects. What if the doctor didn't like her? She was a fresh nurse, no expierence. What if he changed his mind, and wanted to hire someone more trained? Or what if he was harsh, horrible to travel with. What if they didn't get along?

She rested against her trunk, packed with her few modest things. She fiddled with the corset on her blue lace dress. She had burned her bridges with her father. There was no going back now. He would laugh at her, and life at home would be hell. Likely, if this didn't work, she'd have to give up her dream of making a life for herself, and settle for being married off to a 'proper suitor'.

It just didn't make sense to any of her friends, why she was willing to work so hard for her own career, when she could easily chose from any of the eligible bachelor's in the state. With her looks, and family reputation, she was one of the most sought after maidens for miles. Some of the other women werre grateful for less competition.

A cart pulled up to her, and the horses were pulled to a stop. Aira stood up and brushed her dress down, and fixed her sometimes wild brown hair. "Good morning, Mr Cassidy. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance outside of our letter correspandance." Her southern accent was thick, but it didn't come with the normal lazy grammar infractions. She held her breath, and released it when she saw him. His proud features and jawline took her by surprise, and his eyes were deep and lovely. Her own eyes went wide, but she quickly corrected with a polite smile and a curtsey.

 

[Homerun2611]

He was reading a book on St. Louis, the first major city they would visit on their trip west as he rode in the carriage. He hoped he had made the right decision in deciding to take a woman along with him on this adventure. He liked thinking of it as an adventure, his father had wanted him to work in the mills, learn the hard work of real men so he could take over the family business in a few years. Instead he had read books about the western and mining towns, ruled by Marshall law and defining the new and expanded United States.

He felt the carriage pull to a stop, and was shocked when he stepped out to meet his new nurse and traveling companion. She was young, he had known her age, but she looked even younger, and she was beautiful. Not cute, not just pretty, but beautiful. He should have been thrilled, most men would have been, but Dr. William Cassidy's heart sank. He had more than enough experience with beautiful women, albeit not this beautiful, but they would bat their eyes at him, size him up as husband material, and then prove themselves entirely...worthless.

The problem with beautiful women was the knew it. Their entire lives people cater to them to earn their favor, or because hard work and intelligence seem irrelevant when you look like that. How many girls had he been invited by their mother's to dinner to meet the young beauty. They would spend the evening in the parlor, her batting her eyes, and the mother explaining what a wonderful mother her daughter would be. When discussing current affairs or anything of meaning, he might have well been speaking greek.

Nope, nope, nope, he needed a woman of intelligence and substance, not some ninny who had been raised to find a husband and bare children. "Nice to meet you as well Aira, you never told me that you were so pretty". He smiled, and was certain she took it as a compliment...it wasn't. "Aira, I do want to warn you, this will be a difficult trip. We are likely to run into diseases and situations that will be most unpleasant. Most nights we will sleep on blankets either under the stars or in a tent. I will need someone who can investigate symptoms and help me figure out how to treat ailments that may be unfamiliar to either of us. If you think any of that is an issue, I would prefer you quit now. Once we hit the road, it will be difficult to send you back, as I am not turning around...are you sure that you are up to this? I need a real partner, someone comfortable roughing it and someone who is up to being my partner in what I am sure will try our metal as neither of us has ever been tested before".

 

[Artemidorus]

Aira's eyes narrowed just a little. She swallowed hard and steeled herself. She desperately wanted to make a good impression, wanted Cassidy to like her, but the doctor was sizing her up, something she had witnessed hundreds of times. At the college, when her professors tried to figure out why she was there. At the dinners her father set up, when her 'suitors' eyed the dimensions of her body. She wasn't a stranger to being "under the microscope" and she didn't flinch from his inspection.

Even when offered, Aira never took the easy out. She didn't pursue any suitors. She pursued her own education. She didn't accept any husbands. She accepted that she had to work twice as hard as any man. She treated this test as she would have treated any. She smiled, meeting his gaze full on. Eyes locked with his, she pushed passed the doctor and hefted her trunk into the cart.

"Doctor, I have every inkling of respect for you, but I think that if a partnership is truly what you desire, the first step of that would be to put a little faith into me. You know my schooling, and I answered your ad. I know what this journey will entail. Do you see where I'm from, Mister Cassidy? It's not exactly Manhattan here." She laughed.

"My father helped cut this town out of the west by hand, and I've worked to make my own life, just like he did." Her eyes twinkled just a little bit. "So lets start over, Mister Cassidy."

She finished loading her things and turned back to face him. "I'm Aira Cafferty, pleased to meet your acquaintance. I'm not only prepared for this adventure, I'm excited." She offered him her hand. "So is there any more to this interview process, or are you ready to whisk me away?" She laughed.

 

[Homerun2611]

Billy was frankly taken aback. She had spunk and fire, he had clearly offended her, and all of this, simply delighted him. A backbone and confidence was a hell of a lot more important to him than her, oh so shapely figure, her full bosom, or her beautiful smile and sparkling, almost dancing eyes.

He caught himself, beautiful smile, sparkling, dancing eyes, Jesus he sounded like one of those ninny girls, why had his mind and attention gone here. Her beauty, and she was beautiful, was irrelevent, what mattered was her brain and her guts. and she had just displayed enough of both to think he may have made a most appropriate hire.

She took the high road, which he also liked and respected, rather than getting all emotional and teary at his directness. He was direct, a quick mind, he often spoke like a scientist with little regard for emotion, pomp or circumstance, despite having a well hidden, but very warm and generous heart.

"So lets start over, Mister Cassidy."...I'm Aira Cafferty, pleased to meet your acquaintance. I'm not only prepared for this adventure, I'm excited." She offered him her hand. "So is there any more to this interview process, or are you ready to whisk me away?"

This made him smile, even chuckle, and she could see his eyes light up as well, she had won him over at least for the present. Extending his hand, "Well Miss Cafferty, I am Dr. William Cassidy, but if you are going to work as closely with me and under the duress I expect, you may call me Billy in private. I have a feeling, I am very glad to meet you..." He paused, unused to apologizing, but feeling the need to, "...and I am sorry if I was a bit abrupt. I do respect your degree and your academic performance. My experience with beautiful...."

He regretted it as soon as he said the word, but there was his directness again, and it was a scientific fact, she was beautiful, "...well, is not favorable, let's leave it at that. However, you seem to be a woman of substance and intelligence and ...well, I look forward to our adventure....I am not sure if that is whisking...but it is the best I can do". He took her hand and assisted her up and into his wagon. "I am taking you back to my residence, I have a bedroom set up for you there, and we will have a good meal tonight...pack our wagon up, and begin our adventure first thing in the morning...are you ready?" And then he did something he couldn't remember the last time he had, he winked at her and smiled...realizing...he actually liked her

 

[Artemidorus]

Aira smiled as she climbed into the cart. "Apology accepted, doctor." Which was what she preferred to call him for now. Doctor. It wasn't something she could say to anyone in this small town. She fought off a blush when he meantioned "in private." For a moment she wondered what people would think. What they would say. She was going to gain a reputation traveling, unwed, with a man. She tried to shake off the thoughts before she started to hear her father's voice in her head.

She turned her attention back to Bill. "If I may, doctor, assume looks are what you based your initial judgement on, what should I think of you? If fair features equals incompetance, are you sure you're qualified to be a doctor?" She laughed, trying to come off more aa teasing than flirting. "You have bad expirences with beauty, and I have bad expierences being beautiful. No one expects anything more of me than a dowry."

She shrugged. "Thats why I'm hear. I don't very much like that trope. I have you to thank for giving me a chance to prove more of myself." Her eyes lit up at him, and he winked at her. His smile attempted to rob her of her breath, but she held fast. "A meal and a good nights sleep sounds like a proper way to spend before we go."

 

[Homerun2611]

"If I may, doctor, assume looks are what you based your initial judgement on, what should I think of you? If fair features equals incompetence, are you sure you're qualified to be a doctor?" He laughed and then realized, it was sort of a back handed compliment, and an accusation of he being a touch superficial. "A fair point, so perhaps we will need to mess ourselves up a bit so that the individuals at our outposts can trust our competency, rather than dismissing us for our looks".

He knew he was handsome, God knows he had his flatterers, it was such an unimportant item to him though he never thought about it. However, her point was fair. What was better was her quickness of thought to highlight the hyprocracy of his reaction.

Ten minutes in the carriage in the ever increasing city traffic, brought them to his brownstone. In a thriving city, he had done well, and had come from money, such that he lived in the nicest part of the city, most importantly several blocks up wind from the unpleasant odor of the core of the Chicago economy, the stockyards.

The carriage driver got out and took Aira's bags inside. The home was quite lavish in appointments, hardwoods, orientals and gold fixtures. "Aira, this is Genevieve, our house maid, she will help you settle in to your room at the top of the stairs. Given the nature of our trip, I assume you don't have more formal dinner attire, so you may dress as you please, freshen or rest as you like, and dinner will be served promptly at 6:00 PM. I will be in the parlor reading until then, please feel free to join me if you would like to read or perhaps join me for an afternoon cocktail?

"I hope you find your accommodations comfortable, and if you need anything, just take this bell and ring, and Genevieve will gladly assist you. We will be having chicken for dinner and I have some white wine chilling, will you require anything else?" He was smiling, he was proud of his home, and he truly hoped she would enjoy her brief stay here.

 

[Artemidorus]

Aira's face lit up at the city. The few times she had seen it, it still took her breath away. Her gaze fixed on the brownstone, which was absolutely lovely. She followed Bill to the door, taking a long look around inside. It was lavish, especially compared to the modest farm house she grew up in.

"You have a lovely home, Doctor." she said politely, with an appreciative nod.

She smiled warmly at the maid. "Hello Genevieve, it is a pleasure to meet you."

Aira stiffled a yawn at the thought of dinner, wine and bed. She had barely slept last night in anticipation, and she had a feeling this might be her last chance at a good nights sleep for a while. She smiled again as she turned back to the doctor. "Of course. Let me go set my things in the room, and freshen up, and I'd love to join you for a drink."

She grabbed her bags. "Thank you. This is all more than enough." She followed the maid up the stairs, pondering briefly on how she felt about the doctor going away with his young nurse assistant, before shaking the thought away.

Aira set her things to the side, pulling out a dark red dress that had a deeper neckline than her blue one. She practically moaned out load at the amount of soaps and perfumes in the bathroom, and the large claw footed tub. "After dinner." She assured herself.

She wet a cloth to clean her face, and after sampling the scents, she settled on a soft, earthy and magnolia smell. She grinned, slipping into the dress before heading down to the parlor. She could barely wait to get her hands on some of the books she saw, lining the shelves. As she rounded the corner into the sitting room she asked "Doctor, would you mind ever so terribly if I picked out a few of these books to take with us?"

 

[Homerun2611]

Billy was reading a book about some of the experiences of the settlers of the plains, how they had settled into farms and the role of marshall law in the new territories. The Oklahoma territory has just been established and there are several altercations between the US Calvary and the Comanche's the most aggressive of the Indian Tribes. For the last month the good Doctor has tried to learn some of the Indian symbols and simple language so that they will be able to communicate if they go all the way to California, and to the mining camps.

When Aira walks into the room, she takes his breath away. "You look lovely, you did not need to dress up....but it is very nice". He stands and comes over guiding her to the sofa to sit with him. "Of course you may borrow some of my books, I have several things you might enjoy...I have the revolutionary findings and hypotheses of Charles Darwin...several books on the customs of teh American Indians...books on camping and finding food in the wild, including setting traps, I also have some wonderful novels by Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde, and poetry by Walt Whitman...." She can hear the excitement in his voice, he is an avid reader and has read every word of every page in this library, many more than once, "...I'm sorry, it is just that I don't know many individuals who enjoy reading like I do...please make yourself at home and take anything you would like!".

He stopped his cheeks were flushed, and his breathing elevated, as much as her beauty and her figure in that dress, he was aroused by a woman with a brain and for the first time in his life, interests compatible to his. He regrouped, and realized he had been day dreaming, "May I get you something to drink while you look, I have wine, as well as some gin and whiskey if you prefer that type of liquor?" So far, as far as he was concerned this was going well. He had even put on his nice, church suit for dinner, without thinking about it, he had wanted to impress her...he had never tried to do that before...

 

[Artemidorus]

Aira looked down at her dress, smoothing the soft fabric with her hands. "This?" It wasn't her nicest dress, but it was one of them. She blushed. "Its nothing expensive, but I wanted to wear it now while its still fresh." She still felt under dressed in his beautiful city home.

"Anything by Austen or Bronte?" Aira loved female authors. "I would love to bring anything you have on whats edible in the wild. And what natives we might run into." She was already looking forward to cooking for the doctor during their travels. She loved cooking, and she loved a challenge. She pulled a few books to the side, saving the more relevant ones.

She joined him on the coach, smoothing down her dress as she got comfortable. She pulled one of the books into her lap. "I'd love a rosé is you have it." She didn't get to drink very often, so this was a treat.

 

[Homerun2611]

Dr. Cassidy, brightened as he heard her request, "Well I don't have everything that either has written, but by Jane Austen I have "Pride and Prejudice", "Persuasion" and Mansfield Park", and by Emily Bronte, I have "Wuthering Heights" and by Charlotte Bronte, "Jane Eyre" and "The Professor", I hope you haven't already read them, or would possibly enjoy reading again?....Hmmm, if you look through my books down on the lower shelf, you will see all that I have on survivalist cooking and the Native American Tribes".

Her turned around beaming, hoping he had pleased her and absolutely delighted with her question. "If you want to try something new, I just purchased and read the new Oscar Wilde novel, "The Portrait of Dorian Gray", I have to say it is quite salacious, about a man who has a painting that grows old and weathered due to his dastardly deeds, while he stays young and handsome. He is quite a cad!". He found himself blushing, knowing that the book edged on the brink of impropriety.

"Rose is a fine choice, light and airy for an afternoon cocktail, I think I will join you". He filled the crystal goblets with more than an ample serving. He found himself quite giddy with excitement, he hadn't been alone with a woman he actually found interesting in quite a long time, he was struggling with how to act.

He gathered himself, and handed her the wine and sat down next to her, turned ever so slightly so that he could look into her eyes. "You know, we are going to be spending an inordinate amount of time together in potentially some very difficult circumstances. It might be nice to know a bit about each other, if you are willing to share? I am curious as to how you chose to become a nurse, and what about this opportunity particularly interested you?"

 

[Artemidorus]

Aira looked down shyly, and breathed a breathy laugh. "Theres not much too me." She took a sip of her wine, avoiding the doctors eyes. He was so handsome, and so close. She could smell the clean scent of his clothes and skin.

"Nursing is one of the few schools that will accept ladies. My father said he would pay for an education of my choice and I wanted to pick the best one possible. This was pretty much it." She smiled warmly at the thought. "I like to help people, I like a challenge. I'm fairly sharp. I felt obligated to put those skills to food use, and not marry into money. My mom wanted me to marry another plantation owner. As a matter of fact, she has one picked out for me when I come back. I'm afraid I'd likely have to go on at least one date with him to make her happy."

She sighed and took anothwr sip. "But I want to expirence a little bit of the world first. So thats how I ended up here."

She looked up and caught his eyes. "What about you, doctor?"

 

[Homerun2611]

He listened to her story, and he liked that she had independent goals. But it was the oddest thing, when she mentioned that she would feel obligated to heed her mother's desires and go on at least one date with the potential suitor, a frown crossed his face. It was truly none of his business, but something deep down, instinctively told him he would not be happy with that. Nope, did not like that idea at all. He stopped and got lost, that wasn't like him, he wasn't jealous, and even the concept of jealousy was ludicrous, she wasn't his, they were colleagues, his employee...and yet....

He cleared his throat...."I did grow up wealthy, my father was in the army and because of that was set up with the ownership of a steel mill where he secured very lucrative government contracts to supply the railroads and munitions factories. I hate steel manufacturing, everything about it...I like to learn, and use my intelligence to help people...I guess, like you said".

"Anyway, when I heard about Medical Schools opening across the country, I knew I wanted to study medicine and be a doctor. But this city was so borling...ever since I was a little boy I have read about the west and the great frontiers. I want to see the country and help people, so I came up with this plan."

He got up and cranked the gramophone he had ordered and just arrived from NY, along with a few records. He might have been the first in Chicago with the new, modern invention, "I just got this...and a few records...this is brand new...but do you like music...do you like to dance?" He had taken some lessons at Boarding School and they had a few catillions with the local girl's school. Although no girl had struch his fancy, he did enjoy the rhythmic movement and had become the best dancer in his class. The waltz was the dance he knew best, but he surprised himself with his forwardness in asking Aira, if she enjoyed dancing...

 

[Artemidorus]

Aira laughed at how similar their stories sounded. "We're quite the pair, huh doctor?" She smiled. She couldn't picture him working in a mill. It would be such a waste of his looks and talents.

She watched him as he stood up, and started some music. Aira had heard music played this way in town, but she didnt know you cpuld have the euipment to play records here in your home. "Wow doctor. That machine must-have cost a pretty penny." Music flooded the room and she could see how It was a worthy purchase. It sounded lovely.

Cassidy asked her to dance and her whole face blushed red. "Oh no doctor I'm afraid I have two left feet!" She looked up at him, feeling something stor in her chest. She stood and took his hand anyways. "I love the music but I'm afraid I won't be very good at dancing at all."

For a moment she wondered if he knew. Knew she had left public school early to finish her schooling as a nurse. She was the youngest one in that program, at only 18 when she graduated. She felt like her age and inexpirence was plastered on her face like a neon sign. She had never even dated before. Her expirence with dancing, or dating, or men at all was nonexistent. Next to the handsome doctor, she felt like a silly girl playing dress up and make believe.

But at the same time, she wanted to please him. To show her level headedness and maturity. She wasn't a child. She was a woman and a nurse and she was ready to take on any challenge thrown at them. She gave him ger other hand. "Perhaps you'll show me?"

 

[Homerun2611]

He tried to look into her eyes as she stood up, he could see the debate raging in her mind, trying to be nice, and embarrassed at the prospect of making a fool of herself in front of her new employer. Her eyes were cast down, and so he released one of her two hands, and cupped her chin in his fingers as he gently raised her chin to look at him. He couldn't help but notice how flawless her complexion was, and the light embarrassment that registered in the rouge of her cheeks, just made her look even sweeter, even lovelier. Raising her chin she cast her eyes up, and they gazed into each other. He smiled his warmest, most compassionate smile. If anyone knew what it felt like to be socially awkward, it was him.

"We are going to spend a lot of time together, and each of us is likely to be better than the other at certain things. I hope you are open to teaching me things, and I hope you will enjoy learning from me as well. We both like to learn, right? So, let's enjoy learning from each other".

He looked a moment longer in her eyes, before he gently released her chin and reclaimed her small hand in his strong one. "Here let me show you...." and he traced out a simple box step as the foundation for all dancing..."there you have it, 1...2...3...4....that is excellent...you are very graceful". Again, he looked into her eyes, letting go of her left hand, he stepped toward her, and put his hand on her waist. It was small, she was so delicate, he could have almost wrapped her entire waist in his strong hands if he so chose. He felt a nice warm sensation shoot through his body, and he gently grasped her. "Okay, now we will go into hold...my hand on your waist, put your hand up on my shoulder, and we hold our other two hands like this....good, good...now just follow my lead...." She did exactly as told, her eyes twinkling and he couldn't take his eyes off her...and they were off. She was a bit of a natural and she flowed around the room, following his strong lead, as she sashayed her in and out...he winked her as he let his hand go from her waist, and pushed her away...it was almost telepathic in how she knew exactly what to do...again, perfectly following his lead she spun away, and then was quickly spun back into hold. They were both laughing and the song finished, he clapped and bowed before the lovely young lady, "you my dear are a natural, if you can learn everything as easily as you just took to dancing...no wonder you were such a good student...." He bowed again, smiling as he stood up and again extended his hand as the next song began to play...."Would you do me the honor of another dance?"

 

[Artemidorus]

So, let's enjoy learning from each other

Aira felt a blush radiate from her face all the way down, as her virgin mind went straight to the most salacious of thoughts. No, surely he didn't mean that. But if he did... well she had a lot to learn in that category.

"Oh!" Aira cried out, in a laugh, as the doctor released her chin and whisked her around. She got the gist of the pattern quickly. Dancing wasn't so hard, especially being that she was the one being led.

Suddenly, his hand was on the small of her back, pulling her closer. His hand felt so broad and strong, and she felt small and graceful. She felt herself wanting to be even closer. The song finished out and Cassidy seemed pleased, but Aira's heart was racing. That was the closest she had ever been to a man besides her father, and Bill was nothing like the strict man who had raised her. Bill was heart-breakingly handsome, and sharp. And well off, if his house was any indication.

"Would you do me the honor of another dance?"

Aira was so much younger, and in a much different class than him. There was no way he would have the same kind of interest in her that she could see herself forming for her employer. Especially if they continued to act like this. She cleared her throat and shook her head softly. "I wouldn't want to break out into a sweat and have to clean up again, before our meal."

 

[Homerun2611]

"I wouldn't want to break out into a sweat and have to clean up again, before our meal." He heard her and let his eyes fall. She had no way of knowing it, but that was about as forward as Dr. William Cassidy had ever been with a woman, asking her to dance not once but twice. He swallowed and stammered, he wanted to kick himself for pushing himself on her. He felt silly and ashamed. He had thought she was enjoying it as much as he had...but probably not...she was probably used to suitors with far more skill with the ladies than this simple Doctor.

"I am sorry, I thought....well I should not have expected...." and suddenly the handsome Doctor was an embarrassed school boy. "I didn't think about perspiration...you looked so..." Jesus shut up, cut your losses and stop insisting of making a fool of yourself. This is what he got for actually finding a woman attractive.

"Anyway, I am sorry...let me check on dinner, it should be ready any minute now...I hope you enjoy it, our cook is excellent...well, at least I think so. And try to eat up, this may be our last really full meal for quite a while". He was still blushing and flustered, as he turned, but his moment of excitement was now replaced by an absolute yearning for this evening to end and for his embarrassment to subside in the darkness of his room....

The roasted chicken was ready, and smelled wonderfully, and he pulled out her chair next to his. "Would you like me to refill your glass of Rose for dinner?" he hoped small talk would make her forget his forwardness from earlier....he realized it mattered to him that she like him at least a little...no matter how much he wished it didn't.

 

[Artemidorus]

Aira's eyes went wide. She hadn't meant to make him flustered, and he almost seemed embarrassed. But that couldn't have been right. He was a big city doctor and she was a small town nobody.

"You looked so..." He trailed off, but Aira found herself desperately curious as to what he was going to say. She shook it off. Probably a comment on her clumsy dancing. Perhaps he asked for the second dance to help her practice a little more. He was showing her the ropes.

But they way he made her feel when they were dancing... that was a mistake. God, only one day had her turning into a silly doting girl. She had promised herself not to get like this, not to risk her career. After one day she was already wanting to get closer to the very person she need not involve with.

By the time she was seated for dinner, the moment had passed and she had almost forgotten it entirely. She offered him her empty glass when he asked if she'd like more wine. "Yes please, Doctor." Dinner smelled delicious.

 

[Homerun2611]

He refilled her glass of wine and sat down next to her. "You looked beautiful dancing, I really am amazed at how easily They sat down to dinner, "You were a natural" he wanted to say he looked forward to doing it again, but given her rejection, he was reasonably confident that the feeling was not reciprocal.

They filled their plates with the chicken, potatoes and various salads all expertly prepared by his kitchen staff and began to eat quietly at first, "Do you like the preparation? Do you need anythig else?" She was delicate as she ate, but she did eat, and that was good. This trip would be wearng and she would need her strength. Eating heartily any time they had the opportunity would hopefully allow them to persevere in the leaner moments.

"I am thinking we will head out toward St. Louis it should take us about 5 dayst to get there. We will be able to relax in a hotel there and get a good meal before heading west. Our wagon is largely packed, I have a tent and a few sets of sleeping blankets. About two weeks of provisions, and all the medical supplies I could pack. I hope I have thought of everything..." He smiled and looked into her eyes, "I really am happy you decided to join me...do you have any questions?"

 

[Artemidorus]

Aira blushed deeply at his compliment. "Thank you. I have always wanted to try dancing. I appreciate you being kind enough to show me." Her stomach rumbled at the smell of food. It all looked do delicious. The staff had outdone themselves, and she wondered absently if all this was special for their departure, or if he ate like this every day.

"Do you need anything else?" He asked, and she shook her head at the question.

"This is more than enough, really. Thank you." She did her best to eat carefully, and mindful of her manners. All of this was starting to make her feel like a little kid playing dress up, and as her excitement wore off she was getting exhausted.

He rattled off their list of supplies. It all sounded good to her. "In the medical field, you're never truly prepared. We just have to be able to adapt." She nodded. "I'm sure you have everything we'll need."

She thought it over, wondering if she had any questions. She couldn't think of anything over the buzz of eagerness she felt to get on the road.

 

[Homerun2611]

Dr. Cassidy realized that he had gotten himself used to a priveliged lifestyle, and was a bit disappointed for letting himself fall into that trap. While he had the cook prepare a bit more food and some of her tastiest dishes, this was the lifestyle he had gotten used to, and that was about to change in a significant way.

Her manners were excellent, but he could tell she was enjoying the meal. He smiled, and placed his hand on her arm, “I am glad that it appears like you are enjoying the meal. Sally, worked extra hard today, making some of her favorites. If you would be so kind to tell her, I think she would appreciate it. She has been a wonderful employee, but with our leaving, this is her last night. She has also worked hard making sure we have a good supply of preserved foods and meats for our trip”.

As they wrapped up dinner, he stood up, and helped her from her chair. He wanted to ask her for one more dance, but thought better of it. Instead he took her hand, and bowed and kissed it. “Feel free to take one more look through my books for anything else you might want. Everything but our personal bags are already packed in the wagon. I would like to get on the trail shortly after sun up and a good breakfast. If you would like Genevieve will set up a bath for you? But I think I am going to try to get to bed and get a good night’s sleep”.

He was quite tempted to give her an innocent peck on the cheek, but though better. He simply did a small bow, and let her hand go, enjoying one last gaze into her beautiful eyes.

 

[Artemidorus]

"It's most certainly an excellent meal, Miss Sally. One of the best I've had." She smiled at the cook. Bill really had a nice set up here. She almost wished she had someone to cook and clean for her.

Aira blushed a deep blush she felt all the way to her stomach when he kissed her hand. She lifted up her eyes to meet his, and she held his gaze. "Doctor..." She said, under her breath. She smiled, leaned in, and kissed him on the cheek.

Then immediately regretted it. He was her employer, what was she thinking? Here she was, acting like some lovesick little girl. "I can run my own bath, doctor. But thank you. For everything. Really." She offered him a winning smile. "Have a good night. I'll see you in the morning."

She excused herself to her room, and started the bath. Before long she was soaking in the sweetest smelling hot water, relishing in the way it felt against her bare skin.