Christmas Surprise Page 5

Hank introduced the three volunteers to Jory and Big Dog. As soon as the driver was in position, the men pressed their shoulders against the side of the coach. Matthias slipped a jack below the undercarriage. Big Dog took the hub off and then tapped the bolt loose. He pulled the broken wheel off the axel and took the temporary one from Hank. Once he slid it into place, he took the tool Matthias held toward him, wrenched the bolt tight, and tapped the hub back on. The men pushed against the coach just long enough for Big Dog to pull the jack out. They lowered the vehicle and it stood solid.

  Big Dog pulled off his hat and wiped the sweat from his face. "Thank y'all for your help. I was gettin' nervous at spendin' a night on the trail. That woman is not easy to please."

  Hank didn't like hearing what Big Dog said about the governess. If she turned out to be exactly what Caroline feared, his daughters would never let him live it down.

  Big Dog pulled off his hat. "Thank you kindly for leaving your warm homes to come help me tonight. If you'll excuse me, I'll bring the ladies back and we can be on our way." He put his hat back on and ambled across the field.

  Jory slapped Tam on the back. "Give me a hand with the horses, brother, and we can all ride in together."

  "Where'd you put them?"

  "They're down by the creek not too far from here."

  "What horses?" Hank said.

  "Jory and I are delivering them from Chase Danforth."

  "Did he say what I'm supposed to do with them?"

  "Yes, Laughing Bear's two sons have first choice and the rest are meant as a gift to you."

  The boy's comment surprised him. He had no idea Chase planned on sending them to the trading post. "Nice."

  "We'll meet up with you," Tam said and left with Jory.

  Hank helped Matthias put the broken wheel into the wagon and leaned against the bed. "Did you hear the driver's comment about the woman I hired?"

  "I did." Matthias shook his head. "You may be sending your governess back."

  "From the beginning I wondered if hiring a woman sight unseen from San Francisco might be a mistake. It seemed strange she would travel to our Northwoods to teach a family of six girls. I glossed over the crude living conditions. Even if she'd been a pleasant woman, she still might not have stayed."

  "Here they come. We should know her temperament in a few moments."

  "Mr. Hughes," the younger of the two women held her hand toward him, "I'm Genevieve Vellechamp, and this is my Mother, Madam Vellechamp. We certainly are happy to finally meet you. As soon as we reach your place, it'll be wonderful to stay put and not have to get up and face another day of travel."

  Hank couldn't hold back a confident smile. She was a winner and would be quite a pleasant surprise for his daughters. He took her hand and lightly squeezed. "I'm so pleased you've arrived. My daughters are looking forward to meeting you." He nodded at the older woman. "Ma'am."

  "It's about time you got our coached fixed. Enough with the niceties, I'm cold and hungry. I hope you're considerate enough to have a warm meal ready for us, Mr. Hughes."

  Hank cringed. Dear Lord what have I done?

  Big Dog gave him an I'm-sorry-for-bringing-the-bitch look, and then took the woman by the arm and helped her inside the coach. He reached for the younger woman's arm. She glanced at Hank before she stepped inside. "Sorry for my mother's impolite behavior."

  Hank nodded and walked away. He returned in a few moments with the blankets Caroline had retrieved for him. "These will help keep you warm, Miss Vellechamp."

  Genevieve took them. "Thank you, Mr. Hughes." She handed a couple to her mother. "Please, I prefer being called Genevieve."

  "As you wish, Genevieve." He returned to the wagon and climbed onto the seat. Matthias joined him and picked up the reins. "Don't say a word or I may beat you with the broken spoke."

  Matthias chuckled and maneuvered their conveyance around on the road. "What have you done to our peaceful community? I wonder how long it'll take for someone to drown the one with the nasty disposition."

  "Not soon enough."

  The MacGregors drove the horses across the field and Big Dog pulled onto the road behind the wagon. They made good time back to the trading post. Matthias rode through the opened gate and pulled to a stop alongside the barn. Hank jumped to the ground and led Big Dog to a space where he could park.

  "I'll help the MacGregors herd their horses into the corral," Matthias told Hank before he left with the boys.

  The old woman still bitched as Hank approached the coach. He opened the door and offered his hand first to his governess and then to the mother.

  Madam Vellechamp's feet hadn't even touched the ground before she surveyed the inside of the trading post's yard. She stuck her nose in the air and turned toward him. "Make sure your men don't drop our cases, Mr. Hughes. I am assuming that you have rooms for us in your lodge."

  "Excuse me, madam, but I was under the assumption that I hired a governess not a young woman arriving with her mother. There will be accommodations for you both at the lodge tonight, but first thing in the morning we'll find a cabin for you, Madam Vellechamp, to stay in before your return trip to San Francisco."

  "I beg your pardon!"

  He glanced over Madam Vellechamp's head and saw Big Dog standing behind the insufferable woman. He had a wide grin on his face, but the man's nod of approval almost brought on chuckles. Hank cleared his throat instead, and then motioned toward the door to the lodge.

  "If you'll follow me, please, you're welcome to warm yourself by our fire." Hank led their guests onto the porch and swung the door open.

  His children stood inside with wide-open gazes as he led the women into the main room.

  "Girls, may I introduce your new governess, Miss Vellechamp."

  His daughters smiled at their teacher, but just stared without saying a word to the mother as he introduced her. Caroline helped Miss Vellechamp out of her coat and took her hat while Danielle did the same for Madam Vellechamp.

  "I'm Caroline Hughes and the oldest of the Hughes daughters. These are my sisters, Danielle, Madeleine, Jacqueline, Francesca, and Gabriella."

  Miss Vellechamp went to each girl and clasped their hands as she called them by their name. "Please, I prefer you call me Genevieve. I'm very happy to meet you all and can hardly wait for us to get to know one another."

  Maddie escorted the ladies to the chairs in front of the warm blaze.

  Big Dog set the cases he carried inside by the door. Matt, Tam, and Jory carried in a couple of trunks. Hank could not believe the amount of luggage the two women traveled with. No wonder the wheel broke. Finally, two of the volunteers carried in a couple of crates and put them with the rest of the women's belongings.

  Matthias went behind the bar and poured ale for each of the men. Genevieve joined them. "I sure could use some warming up myself, sir." She looked at Hank. "That is if you don't mind, Mr. Hughes."

  "You heard the lady, Matthias."

  "Genevieve!"

  She turned toward her mother. "You've voiced your opinion enough for one night, Mother." Genevieve accepted her drink and thanked each of the men who'd come to their rescue. They introduced their wives before they bundled up their children and headed out of the lodge.

  Genevieve returned to her chair by the fire and sipped the ale. Maddie and Francesca said good night to her, but stayed away from the grumpy old woman. Caroline took her younger sisters by the hand and led them down the hall and up the stairs to their bedrooms.

  Hank could smell food cooking. He left the ladies and entered Lottie's kitchen. "Thank you for making a meal for the newcomers."

  "The food should be ready in about fifteen minutes." She looked toward the main room. "If that woman stays, I'll quit."

  "She's not welcome, Lottie. I've already made myself clear." He returned to his governess and her mother.

  "Only a few more minutes until your meal will be ready."

  "Danielle, please go upstairs to the room next to Genevieve's and make the bed up for
her mother. I'll be up in a moment with wood to set their fires."

  He went out on the deck and grabbed a handful of wood and kindling. By the time he reached Madam Vellechamp's bedroom, Danielle had the bed in order, had run a dust cloth over the small bedside table, and lit the lantern. He did a once-over glance and nodded at his daughter. "You've done a good job, sweetheart. You're excused to go down and visit or retire. Do whichever you prefer."

  "I like the governess already. She's pretty." She wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you, Daddy."

  He treasured these moments and wished they happened more often. He tipped her chin up. "I love you, too. Now, go so I can get the fire built in here and the other bedroom. Tell Caroline I'll be down in a few moments. I want to go check on Luc before I get involved elsewhere."

  Hank went to the third-floor bedroom and opened the door. Luc was asleep so he closed the door and returned downstairs.

  TAM GRABBED TWO BRUSHES from the barn and tossed one to his brother. "I suppose you're ready to head home tomorrow?"

  "Nah, I think we can rest up a few days and then go. Why, are you in a rush?"

  "I'm not, not at all. You haven't seen the Hughes daughters. The oldest one is mine so stay away."

  Jory stopped brushing the horse and grinned. "What? You spend five minutes ogling the girl and you're in love?"

  "You just stay away from her."

  "I better not have to listen to you chatting about her all the way home."

  "Don't talk too soon, brother. She has several sisters."

  "We'll find the two boys that Chase wants to pick out a horse and then leave. Keep your heart where it belongs—beating in your chest and not in the hands of a pretty girl."

  "You're such a bore. It's my heart and I'll do what I want with it."

  "Are you two hungry?" Hank said as he entered the barn. "I can have somebody finish up with the horses so you can come in and eat. My cook is putting a meal on the table in a few moments."

  "Is there some place where we can wash up?"

  "There certainly is. We have a room off the kitchen with soap and warm water."

  "Thank you, sir." They handed him the brushes and headed for the lodge.

  The young men entered the main room, pulled off their gloves and coats, and hung them on hooks next to the other coats. The heat of the fireplace made Tam's near-frozen hands tingle. He and his twin held them over the fire until they could feel their fingers again.

  "We're ready for you to come and eat."

  The brothers turned away from the fire and both stared at the beautiful young woman standing in front of them. Jory leaned toward Tam. "She the one?"

  Tam jabbed Jory in the ribs. "Yup. Hands off."

  "Thank you, Miss—"

  "Caroline Hughes."

  "Caroline." Jory bowed.

  Tam scowled and pushed Jory to the side. "We need to wash up and then we'll join you. Can you point the way to a sink and soap?"

  "Yes, follow me." She led them to a small room off the kitchen and pointed out the towels they could use. "The dining room is right around the corner. I'll see you there."

  They cleaned the trail dust off and tried to tidy their hair by running fingers through it. It didn't help much, but they at least tried.

  The young men found the dining area and took the remaining two seats. Platters overflowing with food came past them and they filled their plates.

  "You have an impressive establishment here, Hank. It must keep you busy." Tam took a steak from the platter on the table in front of him and passed it to Jory.

  Hank nodded. "My father started the trading post before I was born, and over the years we've increased the size and added buildings."

  "Chase Danforth mentioned he met you when you were in your teen years. It's a small world that my brother and I are now bringing horses from Chase's ranch in California to you here in Wisconsin. He told us your trading post is close to the location where he began his life with Cappy as a trapper."

  "Yup. When the Sioux had their hunting grounds taken away, Chipakwa sent his sons here because of my friendship with Chase. You might know Chipakwa as Laughing Bear. He and Chase became great friends during their time trapped inside a cave by a snowstorm. My in-laws live in Canada. They opened their home and hearts to Luc and Josef about five years ago."

  Hank passed the bowl of mixed fruit to Tam. "How is Cappy? I haven't seen him since he retired from leading emigrants across country on wagon trains."

  "According to Chase, the man never slows down. He enjoys breeding horses, and then, of course, there are young Lance and Margaret. He plays grandpa to Chase's two children," Tam said.

  "Luc is staying here right now while recovering from an accident. After supper I'll take you upstairs to meet him."

  Caroline cleared her throat. "I can go upstairs and see if Luc wants to come down and meet everyone. He was better this evening and would probably enjoy the company, Daddy."

  "I hope he isn't seriously hurt." Tam said, looking toward Caroline.

  "No, he's on the mend."

  "Go ahead. If he needs help, come get me."

  Caroline got up from the table and hurried out of the room.

  Tam watched her leave. He wondered what kind of relationship she had with Chipakwa's older son. As soon as the two of them walked into the dining area together, Tam gasped. Luc was no boy. He saw a tall, arrogant, young man who carried himself with confidence even as he limped to the table. His heart dropped at recognizing his competition.

  "May I introduce you to Luc Martel? Luc, this is Tam and Jory MacGregor."

  Both Tam and Jory stood and shook hands with Luc. "Nice to meet ya," Tam, then Jory said.

  Luc grabbed hold of the back of Tam's chair. "You must excuse my weakness."

  Tam noticed the look of pain cross Luc's face. He pushed away from the table. "Please take my place. I can sit on the other side of the table."

  His gaze caught Caroline's as she smiled at him. She mouthed thank you.

  "Luc, this is Genevieve, our governess, and her mother Madam Vellechamp."

  He nodded at both of them as he sat.

  Their driver stood and held his hand across the table toward Luc. "They call me Big Dog, Luc. I drove the Vellechamp ladies here from San Francisco."

  Luc blinked at the man's introduction and took his handshake. "That's a mighty long way."

  "Yessiree, a difficult one for the ladies, too, but they managed."

  Tam carried his glass and plate around to the place next to Caroline. He sat and grinned across the table at his brother's scowl.

  Jory glanced at Luc. "Are you able to take a look at the horses we brought from the Danforth ranch tomorrow?"

  "What horses?"

  "Chase had us drive a small herd of them back here while we traveled with the ladies. He wants you to pick the one you want and then have your brother pick his choice."

  Luc grinned. "Yes, of course. It might be a while before we can get word to Josef, though. The winter is arriving early this year and traveling to and from Canada might be difficult for him."

  Tam gazed into Caroline's beautiful golden-brown eyes. "We can stay as long as necessary, can't we, Jory?"

  Chapter Five

  Hank rolled out of bed. His room held a deep chill. He pulled his curtain back and stared at the snow in the yard. Good God, there must be at least a foot. He pulled on his heavy socks and grabbed his pair of long johns from the top shelf in his closet. Damn! He wasn't prepared for snow already. He dressed quickly and headed downstairs to start a fire in the grate.

  Voices came from the main room. Tam and Jory sat in front of a roaring blaze.

  "Good morning, boys. Thanks for starting a fire and warming up the room."

  "We appreciate you letting us bunk in your guest house. You'd think we would have gotten use to Big Dog's snoring, but this morning he ran us out of the place."

  Hank chuckled. "He had a big job bringing the Vellechamp ladies across country and then to lose a
wheel so close to his destination had to have drained the last of his patience. I'm surprised he didn't drop Madam Vellechamp off someplace before they got here. Has she been a pain in the... all the way?"

  "Yup. I give the man his due for putting up with her constant complaining."

  "He's probably not happy with me for sending her back, but I'll not put up with her endless bitching."

  "We sure cut it close to arrive before the snow. Did you expect this much so early?" Jory asked.

  Hank shook his head. "No, and I'm not happy about it. We need more meat for the winter. Matthias and I each got a buck yesterday to add to what we have in our ice cellar, but with the size of my family and staff I would like to add more to make sure we have enough to last until the thaw."

  "Let's go today. Tam and I haven't been on a good hunt for a couple of years."

  Hank scratched his head a moment. "You sure? It's mighty cold out there."

  "My brother and I don't care about the cold, do we Tam?"

  Tam shook his head. "No, I'm ready."

  "Let me tell Lottie we're going on another hunt and would appreciate breakfast as soon as she can fix it. I'll start up the stove and put a pot of coffee on."

  There was nothing like the exuberance of the young. He would never turn down good hunting partners. Lottie came through the back door just as he lit the stove.

  "What are you doing in my kitchen so early?" she said, pulling her apron off the hook and tying it around her waist.

  "I got me two new hunting partners this morning. As soon as we get some good, hot food in our bellies, Matthias and I will show those young Scots how to get their game."

  "Humph, watch what you say about us Scots, mister."

  Hank turned around and grinned at his cook. "Aww, you know I love ya, Lottie."

  "Git out of my kitchen you Irish troublemaker."

  He could hear his long-time cook cackling as he left. He pulled a chair close to the fire and sat next to the heat. "Breakfast should be ready soon, and then we'll wake Matthias and be on our way."

  Matthias joined them. "I've been stacking firewood inside the back entry and heard my name mentioned."