Page 65 of The Spinster (Emerson Pass Historicals 2)

“They weren’t always sick. Sometimes they were having babies and I had to help them.”

“What kinds of animals?” Delphia asked. “Did you ever see a kitten?”

“We mostly looked after pigs, cows, sheep, and horses. Sometimes we were called out to help with a beloved pet like a dog and cat.” Poppy widened her eyes and spoke in a menacing voice. “And one time a naughty rooster.”

“Like Doodle?” Addie asked. “He’s very naughty. Sometimes he chases me.”

“Doodle is a nice boy compared to Red,” Poppy said.

“That was his name?” Delphia giggled.

“Yes, for his temperament,” Poppy said. “Red like hot peppers.”

“What did he do that was bad?” Delphia’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. A little too much, as if she were gathering ideas.

“He pecked the farmer and his wife and chased them away whenever they came to get the eggs,” Poppy said.

“But why?” Addie asked.

“Red saw it as his job to protect the hens. But that meant the farmer couldn’t get any of the eggs because of that naughty cock-a-doodle-doo. One day Red pecked their little girl’s hand and caused her to bleed. That’s when they called Dr. Miller and me to come help.”

“What did you do?” Addie asked.

“We advised the farmer to establish dominance. Roosters are very prideful. Red had to be taught that the farmer and his wife were in charge.”

“Pride is a sin,” Fiona said as she placed a comb in the back of Cymbeline’s hair.

“Even for a rooster?” Delphia asked, sounding disappointed.

“I’m afraid so,” Poppy said.

“Did it work?” Addie asked. “Did they tame him?”

“In this case, they weren’t able to. No matter what they did, Red wouldn’t stop attacking people. Finally, the farmer decided it was too dangerous for his little girls and they had to send him away.”

“To where?” Delphia asked.

Poppy hesitated before answering. “I’m not sure. Perhaps they sent him away to another farm.”

“Probably into the pot,” Cymbeline said.

“Why was he so mean?” Addie asked.

“He was just extremely protective of the flock of hens,” Poppy said. “It’s the way some breeds are. Red saw everything and everyone as a threat to his hens.”

“I feel sorry for him,” Fiona said. “He couldn’t help how he was made.”

“I did too.” Poppy smiled as she looked around the room. “I’ve missed you all very much.”

“We missed you,” Fiona said. “Jo’s been practically bereft without you.”

“It’s true,” I said.

“It’s good to be home,” Poppy said. “But being away was worth every homesick moment. I’ll be able to help our farmers and ranchers here in Emerson Pass now. I’ve learned a lot.”

“Speaking of which,” I said, “the Cassidys recently lost five of their cows. When you’re settled, I’d like to take you out there and see if you can figure out what happened to them.”

“I’ll be happy to,” Poppy said. “I’m grateful to Lord Barnes for sending me to apprentice under Dr. Miller. Although Miller wasn’t exactly welcoming at first. I don’t know what kind of favor he owed Lord Barnes, but he sure didn’t want me there.”