A Hartmann Ranch Christmas Read online

  Lena nodded and sipped at her tea, hoping to relax the muscles constricting her throat.

  “She died?” Maddie whispered. “And now Evan’s niece is orphaned. How dreadful!”

  Lena pulled in a deep breath and let it out in one long exhalation. “He’s gone to find her and bring her home.” She hoped it would be as easy as that, and Evan would find her. But with no living relatives, how easy it would be for the child to become lost in any one of a dozen, over-crowded orphanages.

  Maddie pulled her hands back into her lap and studied Lena. The silence stretched uncomfortably while Lena considered how to express her conflicted emotions. Should she even try when so little time had passed to enable her to sort through them for herself? Hadn’t she longed for a child?”

  “You will make an amazing mother, Lena.”

  Lena looked up, startled that Maddie’s response struck at the heart of her deepest concern.

  “You are a naturally nurturing person. Children adore you. And Evan will be the very best father. I have absolutely no doubt about this being an unexpected blessing, and neither should you.” Tears pooled in Maddie’s eyes and she reached again for Lena’s hand. “I am so happy for you. Be happy for yourself, my friend. What a Christmas this is going to be!”

  Lena lay a restraining hand on Maddie’s arm before they stepped into the bookshop. “You know, there is still the question of finding Rebecca. Naomi’s letter didn’t provide much for Evan to go on aside from the address where Vicki and her daughter were living before she took ill.”

  Maddie patted Lena’s hand. “But you also know that Evan is a very determined man. I’m sure he’ll find her. And didn’t you say that he took with him the letters she’d written to Evan over the years? With those letters as proof of her trust in him, and orphanages overcrowded with children, I can’t imagine Dickens writing a happier ending to this Christmas story.”

  “Still, I’d prefer not too many people know, until Evan comes back with her.”

  “You have told Jessie, haven’t you?”

  “Yes, we told Bart and Jessie last night. They were excited for us.” She gave Maddie a tired smile. “I have very kind friends.”

  Maddie looped her arm through Lena’s and led her through the shop door. “Kind hearts nurture kindness in others. I think a friend I know told me that a few years ago.”

  “There you are, both of my favorite young ladies in Ketchum.” Ely Beckert greeted Lena and Maddie with his customary Old-World charm, a soft-spoken gentleman in both appearance and manners from his tweed suit to his quaint German accent.

  “Ely! Where have you been keeping yourself?” Maddie skipped from the door to kiss the man on his cheek, bringing a sudden flush of color.

  “I have been in my usual places, Mrs. Reynolds, but I seem to have lost track of days and seasons.” He stepped from Maddie to reach for Lena’s hand. “And it is to you, I owe my deepest apology for missing your Autumn Festival. I had promised you the music.”

  He looked so remorseful that Lena lay her hand on his arm and patted it. “But you were sitting up with a sick friend, and that is far more important. Ja?” The last she added with a teasing smile.

  Ely nodded and his cheeks colored again. “Ja.”

  “How is your friend?”

  His countenance brightened at the mention of her. “Oh, she is fine, most fine.”

  To those who knew him well, it was no secret that Ely’s landlady held a particular affection for him and he for her. Frequently, it was a topic of conversation between Evan and Lena the question of how long she would wait for his proposal.

  “It is for the very lady that I have come to your shop, Mrs. Reynolds. I came to buy a gift and your able assistant has been of great help. You see this stack of books she has found for me?”

  The counter held a neat stack of slim books that Lena discerned from their spines as those of nineteenth century poets. She picked up the volume of Longfellow’s recent works bound in a lovely shade of indigo blue. She ran her fingers across the textured cover and smiled at memories of reading before the hearth with Evan. “Life is real. Life is earnest.” She’d quoted the author without intending to do so. She looked over to see both Maddie and Ely watching her.

  “You can’t help yourself,” Maddie said with a kind smile. “Any more than I can keep from writing. I just hope one day they are my words that fall so easily from your lips.”

  Maddie spun on her heels and gestured for Ely and Lena to take seats near the window. “You can stay a little while, can’t you, Ely? Long enough for Clara and me to prepare some tea? Please say, yes.”

  The gentleman nodded and gestured for Lena to precede him to the comfortable wing chairs at the front of the shop nearest the Christmas display. “The young lady has an eye for design, I think.”

  Before taking a seat beside him, Lena studied the miniature scenes now assembled on the window ledge. She imagined that even at their young age, the twins would delight in the whimsy of each doll-sized room. Rebecca would find them fascinating. Wouldn’t she? Lena realized she knew nothing of the child apart from her age and parentage. Had anyone ever read to the little girl? What foods did she like and dislike? Was she timid or brave, curious of life or lacking of all inquisitiveness?

  “What is it, Lena?” Ely’s hand lay on her arm, and she turned to look at him. “Are you unwell?” he asked, concern deepening the creases on his forehead. “You look pensive. Why don’t you sit beside me?”

  Lena recovered her composure and pulled up a smile to assure him. “I am fine.”

  “You can tell me more than that, my friend. I know you after these years, do I not? Is it Evan? Trouble with the ranch?”

  More than most, Ely was aware of how the closing of the silver mines had placed a financial strain on businesses in the Wood River Valley. Working for the largest bank in Ketchum made him privy to deeds in jeopardy. Thankfully, the Hartmann Ranch was not one, not yet.

  Lena shook her head as she settled herself into the upholstered chair. “No trouble with the ranch. We have been blessed with visitors this past year, even some European travelers. Most of our business is coming from word-of-mouth.”

  “The best kind of recommendation.”

  “I agree, and I’m grateful. But this is something quite different from what you might expect.” She pulled in a steadying breath and took a moment to reflect on the many ways this dear man had assisted her since she’d arrived without a friend or family to support her. He’s appeared in her life that first year, serving as both wise counselor and patient friend. He’d been the one to encourage her to express her love for Evan even before she’d become aware of it herself. “We’ve just received a letter telling us that Vicki passed away.”

  Ely leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “Jimmy’s lady?”

  “Yes, Jimmy’s lady.” What a gracious choice of words to describe her. She’d always struggled with explanations for the young woman’s relationship with Evan’s brother, usually choosing to say nothing more than that she was the mother of Rebecca, Jimmy’s child.

  “And the child? Rebecca? What has become of her?” His compassion, like Evan’s, immediately took his thoughts to the child’s pressing needs.

  “Evan left this morning. He’s going in search of her.”

  He sat back, a wide smile creasing his eyes. “That is most excellent, Lena. Most excellent news.”

  Of course, he was correct. The child would be well-cared for and loved. Evan would be the father the girl did not have. He would guide her and provide all she needed to grow into a lady of character.

  “But you? You are worried? Perhaps concerning your role as her new mother, ja? You must not concern yourself with how she accepts you, Lena. Just to love her, that is all you need to do. Give her time to know you. Give yourself time to know her. It will be fine, Lena. You will see.”

  Chapter Six

  DECEMBER 4, 1891

  “We will have a Christmas gathering just like Mr. Fezzi
wigs!” Maddie proclaimed, clapping her hands with Dickensonian enthusiasm. “We’ll push back the furniture, roll up the rugs and dance like the jovial Mr. Fezziwig did at his own Christmas party. And at the end of the evening there will not be a single Scrooge among us.”

  “That is a tall order, Mrs. Reynolds, but I lift my cup to your optimism.” Ely raised his teacup. “I will practice my violin and Lena will play with me. You have been practicing your piano, ja?”

  “Practicing, yes. But I’m not as confident as you that I could accompany a musician such as yourself.” Playing for her husband and Jessie, Bart and the twins was one thing. This was quite another.

  “Christmas carols, Lena, nothing more. You can do this for the children,” he said.

  “That’s not fair, Ely. Using the children to guilt me into performing is not something I would expect from you.” Lena narrowed her eyes at the man grinning like an imp beside her.

  “But you will play, ja?”

  “I’ll think about it,” Lena conceded. “But I wonder if it’s wise to have a large party now. I mean, Rebecca doesn’t know any of us. Mightn’t she be overwhelmed to meet so many people at one time before she’s settled?”

  Maddie looked thoughtful for the briefest of moments before saying, “If we have it on Christmas Eve, shouldn’t they be back before that?”

  “I don’t know.” Lena was beginning to think she’d made a terrible mistake by suggesting a party. Neither Maddie nor Jessie were likely to let go of the idea now. She’d just have to keep a close watch on them both and try to persuade them that they could have a happy celebration without inviting half the town.

  Maddie looked over at Clara. “Maybe Miss Webster can help you?”

  Clara wet her lips, taking a moment to respond. “If you would like for me to, I would be happy to assist you in any way.”

  “You see?” Maddie said with a note of triumph. “We can all help, and it will be quietly festive.”

  Lena laughed. “When have we ever had a quiet gathering?” A thought occurred to Lena as she took a glance at the display again. “But I may have another project for you, if you are so inclined to use your artistic talents at the ranch.”

  “We mustn’t forget the mistletoe!” Jessie gleefully added another item to her growing list. “I know where there’s plenty of it growing up on William’s peak. Bart will gather some for us.”

  Lena winced. Reining in Jessie’s enthusiasm was going to be difficult, if not impossible. “I’d like to involve the men as little as possible with our plans. They have work to do around the ranch, and this isn’t as important—”

  “Of course, it’s important! Jessie leaped to her feet and scurried to the stove to stir an erupting pot of stew. The children are old enough this year to see that there’s a tree in the house and wonder about it. And there’s Rebecca! We have to make this special for her. I’m surprised at you, Lena. Not important?”

  “Well, I didn’t mean to say—”

  “And there’s Mr. Kincaid and Clara to think of.” Jessie went on, warming to the topic. “Maddie and I have been talking about those two.”

  Oh, no. “What is there to think of Mr. Kincaid and Clara?”

  Jessie turned and thrust her hands on her hips. “Lena, you are distracted, aren’t you?”

  Lena considered the remark, and yes, she was a little distracted. She’d thought of little else but Rebecca’s arrival, especially since the arrival of Evan’s telegram this morning, stating that he’d spoken with someone who knew where the child was living. But what did Mr. Kincaid and Clara have to do with Christmas plans aside from the woman’s help with decorating? “I’m a little preoccupied, I suppose.”

  “Well, it’s understandable, but it’s as plain as the nose on my face that those two are meant for each other. Maddie’s working on her side of things. Now, it’s up to us to work on our side, meaning Graham Kincaid, that handsome Scotsman. It shouldn’t be too hard.” She turned back to her stew and whipped it into quiet submission.

  Lena allowed herself a small sigh of resignation. Her two friends were at it again with another attempt at matchmaking. “And what does working our side involve exactly?”

  Jessie shot her an incredulous look. “You know. Arranging things. Like asking them to do something together. Maybe they can hunt for the Christmas tree. That sounds romantic.” Her face brightened and a devilish gleam shone from her blue eyes, increasing Lena’s uneasiness. “That might be perfect. Maybe they’ll get lost in a snow storm and—”

  “Jessie! What are you thinking? That’s preposterous!” Lena shook her head emphatically. “Just an awful idea.”

  “Well, maybe we don’t have to send them out in a storm exactly, but I still think finding and cutting the tree together might be a nice start.”

  “I am not favorably disposed to the idea of matchmaking. You and Maddie don’t have a particularly good history. Do I need to remind you?”

  “No!” Jessie rubbed her hands along her apron with exceptional vigor. “Sam Decker should have told us he was engaged to someone back East.”

  “Why should he have told you that? And, on that subject, do you know if either Clara or Mr. Kincaid are promised to another?”

  Jessie’s frown had turned into a stormy scowl. “You’re always taking the wind out of my sails.”

  Her comment stung. She didn’t wish to dampen her friend’s enthusiasm, just temper it. Jessie was impetuous, but the same quality made her a joyful presence in Lena’s life. Playful and spontaneous, she was nearly always the cure for any malaise. But Lena’s natural inclination not to meddle in another person’s private life, sometimes made her an obstacle to her friend’s schemes.

  “I’m sorry, Jessie. I don’t mean to always be the one to discourage you. But what do we really know about either Clara or Graham? Aside from the fact that they might be unmarried, what do they really have in common?” She had a disturbing thought that would be sure to dampen her friend’s plans, but one Jessie must consider. “Do we know that Mr. Kincaid does not have a wife?”

  Jessie frowned. “He’d have told us, wouldn’t he?”

  “Would he? Did Mr. Decker?”

  Looking deflated, Jessie plopped herself into a chair. “Phooey. I suppose you’re right. We don’t know. I suppose I need to find out.”

  “Once we know they are both unmarried, we can certainly provide opportunities for them to learn more about each other.”

  Jessie’s reaction, though instantaneous, was not remarkable. Her earlier optimism restored, she sat up. “You think so?”

  “Just as long as we restrict our help to gentle nudges.” Lena conceded, but gave her a warning look. “No intentional sabotaging of a buggy wheel.”

  “That nearly worked,” Jessie said petulantly. “They had to stay by the side of the road for hours until someone came along. All that time to talk and find out how right they were for each other.”

  “Jessie, someone could have been seriously hurt!”

  “But they weren’t,” Jessie muttered.

  “Why don’t you let me take care of providing the opportunities for them to get to know one another,” Lena said in a voice as firm as she could manage with someone looking at her with such disapproval. “I have some ideas.”

  Jessie squinted at her. “Like what?”

  “Well, we’re going to need to make some changes to one of the guest rooms for Rebecca. And I was thinking Clara, with her eye for decorating, might be able to help me. It could be fun for her to transform it into a room suitable for a six-year-old girl.”

  Jessie opened her mouth, but Lena held up a restraining hand. “And I was thinking that she might need help from Mr. Kincaid. The dressers are too high for a child, as are the bed and chairs.”

  “And he’s shown he has some carpentry skills,” Jessie added, her face animating as she comprehended the possibilities. “They’ll have to talk things over and make plans together. That’s perfect! But we don’t have much time. Evan and Rebecca could b
e home in a week. Isn’t that what he said?”

  “Yes. But there’s still the Christmas party. She could help us with that.”

  Jessie clapped her hands. “Someone will have to go for the tree. They could harness the draft, the one that’s so barn sour. As soon as they got out of the buggy, that old horse would make a bolt to come back before Mr. Kincaid could stop him. The two of them would—”

  “Jessie!”

  It was a bit and a pair of reins Lena needed to control Jessie’s enthusiasm for matchmaking.

  Chapter Seven

  DECEMBER 5, 1891

  If for no better reason than to satisfy her own curiosity to see the Hartmann Ranch, Clara accepted Mrs. Hartmann’s invitation to visit. So far, she’d only heard about their grand experiment to open a guest ranch for eastern visitors. Mrs. Reynolds’ descriptions of the house had intrigued her. As to the work she described, well, Clara felt completely unqualified to offer advice on decorating. Still, it could be fun, so she’d told Mrs. Hartmann she’d come and see what was involved.

  As soon as Mrs. Hartmann had left the shop, Clara turned to Maddie and asked, “You’re certain you can spare me from the shop? This is a busy time of year.” Clara took off her gloves and lay them on the bookshop counter while studying her employer’s demeanor to assess her sincerity.

  “Absolutely! What you would be doing for Mrs. Hartmann is important. I love that dear woman and you will too. Anyway, you won’t be there all day. You’ll be back in time for dinner with us.”

  Besides employment, Mrs. Reynolds had been gracious to provide lodging in her home. Her employer’s requirements for applicants had been explicit, including advanced education and impeccable references. The letter of acceptance had delighted Clara, but the additional offer of lodging came as a welcome surprise. It had all seemed too good to be true, and the respectability of living under the same roof as the town’s physician left Clara’s mother little reason to object to her daughter’s request to leave her parents’ home. Of course, the fact that her father’s good friend was an attorney in town had also helped her win her case.