Christmas Surprise Read online

  He reached them as Luc dismounted. Luc did all right until his feet hit the ground and his knees buckled. Hank and Michel wrapped their arms around Luc's sides and walked the young man up the deck's steps and through the backdoor.

  "We'll take him to the third floor. Nobody goes up there since Isabella died."

  Michel nodded.

  Hank picked up a lantern and lit the wick. Then, without drawing attention to themselves, they managed their way up to the second-floor corridor and walked along the hall toward the next set of stairs.

  Caroline opened the door and poked her head out of her room as they passed. She gasped at seeing Luc.

  Hank put his index finger to his lips and shook his head. "Shhh, we don't want anyone to know he's here. Can you go ahead and open up the attic room?"

  "Give me a moment." She slipped on her housecoat and hurried to help them. Hank handed his daughter the lantern. "Go ahead of us."

  They took Luc up the narrow set of steps and helped him inside the almost barren room. Hank had forgotten they'd moved most of the furniture somewhere else. They set Luc on the edge of the bed and Hank lit the lantern already on the bedside table.

  Caroline walked to the other side of the bed and gasped. "What happened?"

  Luc closed his eyes and turned his face away. "Please leave."

  "No, I won't until I know what's going on."

  "We have to keep his presence here quiet." Hank turned Caroline toward the door. "We'll talk about it later. Right now, I need water, clean cloths, and my medical box from behind the bar. Will you please bring them to me?"

  "All right, I understand."

  Michel walked toward the door with her. "I'll help Caroline bring up the bucket before I leave."

  "That's fine with me."

  After they left, Luc pulled off his boots and breeches and got into the bed.

  Hank set his attention on the damaged legs until he heard someone coming. He tossed the blanket over Luc's legs and strode across the wooden floor to open the door.

  "Sorry we took so long, Daddy. Gabby had a scratch on her knee and needed a hug."

  "She didn't see Uncle Michel?"

  "No, he was outside getting the water." She set the medical box on the table.

  Michel placed the bucket on the floor next to the bed and straightened his back. "I'll be on my way home before I raise even more questions about my long absence. Thank you for your help, Hank."

  "You're welcome. Don't you want some food before you head home?"

  "No, I'm anxious to be on my way. I'll find something along the trail."

  "Absolutely not. You wait a moment, Uncle Michel, and let me fill a pack with enough food to get you all the way to Canada."

  "If you insist, it sounds good. Bring it to the back steps and I'll meet up with you there."

  "Give me a little bit to put it together." She hurried out of the room.

  As soon as the door closed, Luc opened his eyes and studied Hank.

  "Something you want to say to me, young man?"

  "No, but I knew you'd have plenty to say to me."

  "Yes, as a matter of fact I was wondering how long you'd act an ass to my daughter. Caroline deserves more respect from you."

  "I could hear the concern in the tone of her voice. A Sioux does not show weakness in front of a woman."

  Hank glanced at Michel. "Can you believe he just said that?"

  Michel shook his head. "How long have you lived in Canada with us? Five, six years maybe?"

  "Five."

  "In all that time you haven't learned much about women, have you?"

  Luc glared back at Michel, but remained mute.

  Hank shook his head. "If you value your life, I wouldn't pull that stunt on Caroline again. She doesn't think of you as a Sioux. Ever since your parents left you and your brother with me, she's considered you a playmate and now her friend."

  "I'll consider your advice."

  Michel chuckled. "I can see you have everything under control, Hank. You've always wanted a son and now you have a temporary one. Good luck to you both."

  Hank walked to the door with Michel. "No worry. I'll take care of Luc just fine," Hank said in a low tone so Luc wouldn't hear.

  "I know you will. Ever since you sent Luc and Josef to live with my parents in Canada, they consider them part of our family. If my mother saw one of the two brothers' wounded like this, she would be furious."

  "Isn't Sabine going to question you as to where Luc is?"

  "Probably, but in the five years since you sent them up to live in Canada, he's spent lots of time down here with you. It's obvious he's happier with you, but because of the promise he made his father, he's stayed with my mother and father so Josef can get an education. I'll let her know you'll send him home in a short while."

  "Sometimes I'm sorry we sent them to the farm, but Isabella and I thought with the tensions so high against the Indian nation, it was in their best interest to get them out of the country and into a safe place with her parents. I'll send him home as soon as he's healed enough to make the long ride."

  Michel glanced at Luc. "You take care and do as Hank says, you understand?"

  "Yes."

  Michel nodded at Hank and left.

  Hank pulled one of the chairs up by the bed. "Lay still. I've got to remove all the splinters and clean them up along with the deep scratches." He rolled up his sleeves and took a pair of tweezers from the medical box.

  He worked a couple of hours. Finally, he sat up and flexed his back muscles. "I think I've got them all. We'll see better in the morning when the light is brighter than the lantern." He pulled out his watch and noted the lateness of the day. "I've worked up an appetite. How about I run down to the kitchen and see what I can find for us to eat?"

  "Good idea. I am hungry, too."

  Hank moved his medical supplies out of his way and got up from the chair.

  A knock sounded against the door. Hank opened it and found Caroline on the other side holding a large tray. The aroma of roasted chicken wafted into the room.

  He took the tray from his daughter and followed her into the room. "I was about to come looking for food. How'd you know?" He set the tray on the floor by the small table.

  CAROLINE WRAPPED HER arms around her father's neck and kissed his cheek. "I know you and your love of eating, Daddy."

  "Didn't Lottie ask why you needed the food?"

  "Yes, of course she asked. I lied and told her I promised a couple of cowboys a meal if they cleaned up the stalls in the barn."

  Hank frowned. "You do have quite a quick mind for lying, Caroline, and I'm not pleased about it."

  "Lottie always knows when any of us tells a fib, Daddy. I don't know why she let me get away with it today."

  "I hadn't given thought to letting Lottie know we have a secret guest up here that will need food."

  Luc sucked in his breath at hearing Hank's statement. He turned his head and when he caught Caroline's gaze instead of her father's, he turned away again.

  The twit. She walked over to the bed and bumped the side of it with her knee. "Do you dare ignore me a second time this evening?” She disregarded Luc's stoic air of defiance and stacked two pillows behind his back.

  Hank handed him a plate and took the other one for himself.

  Caroline leaned next to Luc's ear. "You're a jackass." She pulled a chair from across the room and sat next to the bed. "What happened, Luc?"

  "Sabine frowns on talking with our mouths full." He bit into a piece of chicken, swallowed the food, and took a drink.

  "My grandmother wouldn't mind this one time. Besides how would she know unless you confess?"

  "Humph."

  "I know you won't tell her that you defied her orders." She pursed her lips and stared at him.

  "This is so good." He picked up another piece, but before he could eat it, Caroline put her hand over his.

  "No, you don't. Not another bite until I hear why you were almost carried in here."

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nbsp; His glare bore into hers, but she didn't flinch.

  Luc put the chicken leg down and wiped his mouth. "I fell into Lake Michigan while we were moving logs. The water was cold, the logs were bigger than I was, and I damn near got squeezed to death between a couple of them. Satisfied?"

  Hank laid his fork down on his plate. "You're speaking to a lady, Luc. While you're in my house, you will remember your manners."

  Luc looked at Hank and nodded. "I'm sorry, Caroline. I didn't mean disrespect."

  "Really, Daddy? I hear worse words out in the stables."

  "Keep in mind our discussion from earlier today. You will change your behavior this instant."

  She rolled her eyes. "Did my father tell you he's hired a governess for my sisters and me?"

  "Not that I recall. When's this goin' to happen?"

  "Much too soon as far as I am concerned." She snitched a half piece of bread off Luc's plate.

  "I don't see why you're afraid to meet someone new. I would have thought you'd find school exciting."

  "You disappoint me Luc. How could you side with Daddy?"

  "Give the teacher a chance before you decide whether she meets your high standards or not."

  "How could she? She's coming all the way from San Francisco. I give her a month of cold and snow before she wants to go back to the big city."

  "Well then, what's the problem? Give her a month of your charm and patience and she can leave with a high opinion of you and Howling Hank's Trading Post."

  "I'll think about it." She got up and pushed the chair to its proper place in the corner. "While I was waiting for Lottie to fill your plates, I took your horse to the stables. Jimmy said he'd take care of your mare."

  "Thank you for the food and taking care of my horse."

  "You're welcome. Now, please get better soon."

  Hank put the dirty plates back onto the tray and handed it to her. "When you return to the kitchen, you may tell Lottie who the dinners were for and apologize for lying. I'll come down in a minute to explain the situation to her." He walked to the door with her and opened it. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

  "I'm glad something pleased you, Daddy."

  Chapter Two

  "I'm sorry you got pulled into our family squabble, Luc. I don't know what to do about Caroline's attitude."

  "Remember, she's been the head of the house since her mother died. She might feel threatened by another woman taking care of her younger sisters even if only several hours a day."

  Hank shook his head. "You might be right. We'll see what happens when Miss Vellechamp arrives." He gathered up the soiled clothes and his medical box. "Please stay in the room until we decide how we'll handle your stay here."

  "I'm too tired and too sore to go anywhere. I'll see you right here in the morning. Thank you for helping me."

  "Good night." He left the room and headed down the stairs deep in thought. This accident weighed heavy on his mind. Michel knew better than to risk Luc's life on a smuggling run. What was he thinking? They never should have taken the boy with him and then let him work the log jam.

  Voices alerted him their night's guests had started to arrive already. Lottie needed to know about their boarder and why he was being kept out of sight for a while. They'd had a few surprise visits by the revenuers lately and he didn't want Captain Farthington to learn of Luc's injuries. The man never stopped poking around once they aroused his curiosity.

  Hank tossed the dirty rags into the clothes basket in the back hall and entered the kitchen. He set the medical box temporarily on the counter and grabbed a dishtowel as he walked toward the sink where Lottie washed dishes. "Thanks for the delicious supper, Lottie." He picked up a plate, dried it, and placed it into the cabinet.

  "Are you here to explain yourself?"

  "Luc is in the bedroom on the third floor. His legs are bruised and were full of slivers. I spent the past couple of hours taking the pieces of wood out and now he's resting."

  She dropped the washcloth into the water and glared at him. "Smuggling?"

  Hank nodded. "Yes, he was with Michel and his crew."

  "That poor boy. I'll see he's fed and his needs taken care of."

  Hank leaned over and kissed the housekeeper on the cheek. "Thank you. His presence here at the lodge must stay a secret until he is healed. We can't take a chance the revenuers might make another surprise visit."

  "They won't get past me."

  "I knew I could count on you, Lottie. Caroline, you and I know about him being here. I'll let Matthias know as soon as I can." He dried the last glass and put it inside the cabinet. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Lottie. Now, I'm off to entertain our guests."

  Hank walked into the main room. "Welcome everyone. Are you ready for some music?"

  The crowd applauded his appearance. He grabbed his guitar from its place on the wall behind the bar and sat on his stool by the fireplace. As usual, he started playing a fast, fun song where the guests joined the chorus. "I was following a great big bear." I was following a great big bear. "He scrambled up a lone oak tree." He scrambled up a lone oak tree. "No berries up there..."

  Hank loved to entertain. Music filled his core. By the turnout of their neighbors most evenings, they loved his performances, too. He took a break halfway through the evening's entertainment and let his daughters take turns holding the long-handled popcorn pans over the coals in the fireplace. Once the kernels popped, bowls were filled, and handed out to everyone who wanted the treat. Matthias served thirsty guests, but took a moment to bring Hank a glass of ale to enjoy with a handful of popcorn.

  High spirits kept the mood going for another hour or so. He turned to ballads and then his finale, a sweet song of romance. "It's time to retire tonight. Come back tomorrow for some more fun." He waved as he headed behind the bar to return his guitar to its hooks. "Thanks for visiting folks."

  He picked up Gabriella and motioned his other daughters toward the hallway door. "It's bedtime little ones."

  He walked down the hall and up the stairs to their private rooms. He pulled Gabby's shoes and socks off and helped her into her sleepwear. She crawled under the covers and snuggled in for the night. "Happy dreams my angel." Hank leaned down and kissed her forehead.

  He tucked Francesca into her covers. "Good night and sweet dreams to you, too, little one."

  "Good night, Daddy."

  He blew the lantern out and left the door opened a crack.

  After he made sure Jacqueline and Madeleine were both tucked in, and as was their nightly routine, they both answered his good night.

  He rested his hand on the latch to his oldest two daughters' door. He knocked and entered their room. Danielle put her book down and Caroline turned over and faced him.

  He pulled a chair between their beds and sat. "To finish our conversation from this afternoon, Caroline, I think Danielle should be aware of what's happening as well."

  "I already told her the bad news."

  "Do you feel the same way as your sister, Danielle?"

  "I don't know. I'll let you know after the governess arrives. She might be nice, but she won't be my mama."

  "Nobody will take Mama's place. Miss Vellechamp won't expect you to think of her as a replacement. A friend of mine recommended her, and I respect his opinion. Please, I'm asking you both to give her a chance. The younger ones didn't have the same amount of time with your mother before she died. They need the education."

  "I still don't understand. Why can't Miss Vellechamp take care of our little sisters and leave us alone?"

  "Is your attitude unmovable, Caroline?"

  "Yes. I can't wait to live by myself and do everything my own way."

  Danielle gasped. "Won't you ever get married, Caroline?"

  "Absolutely not."

  Hank rubbed his throbbing brow. He'd had the discussion about her getting married a few times. Apparently she had no intention of heeding his advice on marriage either. He stood and pushed the chair back into the corner.
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  "When you're ready to discuss this with me like a rational, grownup person, I will listen. Since you ignore my requests regarding getting an education and finding a husband, Caroline, I'll choose for you."

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "I'm tired of your sass and belligerent attitude. You will take classes with Miss Vellechamp and there will be a wedding in this lodge on Christmas Eve."

  Caroline jumped out of her bed and stared him in the eye. "Forget it, Daddy. Mama told us to follow our dreams not yours. If and when I marry, it'll be because I found the man of my dreams. Don't count on it happening on your time schedule."

  "I mean what I say. Good night. I'll see you in the morning." He got to the door, stopped, and turned to face the girls. "I love you both and only want what's best for you." He left the room.

  He'd hoped hiring the governess would bring some kind of peace to the house. He headed downstairs, walked into the main room, and stepped up to the bar. "Pour me a tall one, Matthias."

  "I heard about Caroline's so-called accident earlier. Is she all right?"

  Hank sighed. "Yes, it's a deep gash, but I got it cleaned up. It's her defiance that has me spinning."

  His brother-in-law poured a glass of ale for both of them. He handed Hank one and raised his drink. "Here's to fatherhood."

  Hank downed his ale. "It's hell raising daughters without my Isabella. I truly don't know how to handle my oldest."

  Matthias grinned.

  Hank pointed his index finger at his brother-in-law. "Don't say it."

  "Aw, you know it's true. Hell, Isabella used to shake her head at the two of you. 'Hank and Caroline are so much alike,' she'd say." Matthias shoved the last of the popcorn toward Hank and refilled his empty glass.

  "I might have made a mistake tonight."

  Matthias set his beverage on the bar. "Dare I ask? Before you speak, remember as her uncle, I may take exception to what you tell me."

  "I told Caroline she's getting married Christmas Eve."

  Matthias leaned across the bar toward Hank. "Whoever he is, he isn't good enough for my niece. I haven't seen her interested in anyone here at the trading post."