Johanna absorbed Irene’s words. Quentin going through her papers? She wasn’t shocked at the idea that Irene had done so, and had considered locking her office after the woman’s outburst last night. But Quentin—
What had he said? “If it concerns May’s well-being, it concerns me as well.”
If he’d gotten into Johanna’s notes about May, he would have read of her suspicions. And if he’d gone into town…
She nearly knocked over her chair in her haste to get up. She hurried to her room, changed her clothes and shoes, looked in on her father, and went out to the barn. No time to harness Daisy to the buggy.
May and Oscar were half-heartedly mucking out the cow’s stall as she plucked the old sidesaddle off its stand. Oscar put down the shovel to help her. May watched, her gaze darting about and her expression pinched.
“Where’s Quen’in?” Oscar asked. “May and I can’t find him.”
“That’s what I hope to learn,” Johanna said. She checked the girth strap and patted Daisy’s withers.
“Are you going to town?” Oscar asked. “Can I come?”
“Not this time, Oscar.” She smiled at May. “I’m going alone. I’d like you both to remain here, in case Quentin comes back while I’m gone.”
May’s shoulders sagged with relief, and Johanna realized that she’d feared being forced to return to Silverado Springs.
Not while I’m here, Johanna thought.
Or as long as Quentin was capable of interfering.
“Quen’in didn’t read to us today,” Oscar complained. He sensed Johanna’s worry even though he didn’t know the reason for it.
Johanna positioned an old crate she used as a mounting block and swung up into the saddle. “May, you’re an excellent reader. Can’t you read to Oscar this evening? I would consider it a favor.”
May took a step toward her. “When will you be back?”
“No later than sunset. Can I rely on you to look after Oscar?”
May hesitated, glanced at Oscar, and nodded firmly.
“Sehr gut.” Johanna guided Daisy out of the barn, May and Oscar trailing after. She waved good-bye and set off at a trot for town.
Silverado Springs buzzed like a jostled hornet’s nest. A far larger than ordinary number of idlers stood on the street and porches, men and women who’d left their posts at store counters and desks to gossip over some new and exciting occurrence. Heads turned, as usual, when she rode in, but the stares lingered, and the hum of conversation stilled in her wake.
She didn’t have to look far for someone to enlighten her. Bolkonsky stood under the awning of Mrs. Sapp’s dressmaking shop, deep in conversation with a man in an officious-looking suit. He glanced up, caught sight of her, and waved acknowledgment. Johanna dismounted and tied Daisy to the nearest hitching post.
Bolkonsky finished his conversation and came to meet her. His smooth, handsome face bore the marks of recent strain.
“How are you, Johanna?” he asked. “Well, I hope?”
She saw no purpose in polite chitchat. “What is going on here?”
“We had best find a more private place to talk.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “What has happened?”
“I’d thought you might have heard. Mr. Ingram was attacked and injured last night in the hotel.”
“Attacked?” Her heart jumped. “By whom?”
“No one is sure—yet.” He took her elbow and led her away from the prying eyes and ears of the locals. “Ingram didn’t see his face. One maid at the hotel said… but that can wait.”
Johanna remembered to breathe. “How badly is he injured?”
“He suffered a broken arm and a large collection of bruises. It could have been much worse, according to his report. But he was able to defend himself, and his attacker fled.”
“A robbery?”
“Nothing was taken.”
“I assume the authorities have been called in,” she said. “Why was he attacked, if not in the course of a theft?”
“That is the question.” Bolkonsky pursed his lips. “That is what the entire town is discussing. Apparently this has never happened before in Silverado Springs; it has deeply upset the residents. Since Ingram is a stranger here, no one can determine a motive for such an attack. And some of the speculation—” He stopped her and looked deep into her eyes. “It involves you, or more specifically, your patients.”