Prairie Hamlet: River's Edge

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Chapter One

The slightly overcast sky had changed to a swirling mass of thick grey clouds by the time Hugh and Josh entered the train depot.

"Smell the moisture in the air?" Josh sniffed loudly as he stepped out of their carriage. "I'll bet there's a storm coming."

Hugh pulled open the huge door and the two friends scooted inside, evading baggage and travelers as they made their way through the throngs.

"Hugh! Josh! Over here." Claudia waved at them from atop the baggage cart.

Josh hurried ahead of Hugh and took hold of Claudia, picking the tiny woman up and swinging her in a circle as he hugged her. "You are a very welcome sight. It's so good to see you."

"Oh, Josh, for heavens sake, put me down," Pushing playfully against his huge shoulders. "What will people think?"

"Who cares, I've missed you." He kissed the tip of her nose and set her down.

Hugh shook hands with Jeb, and wrapped James in a bear hug. "And how have you been? My God man, look at the size of you." He slapped James' back before turning to embrace Elbert.

Hugh waited patiently for Josh to finish greeting Claudia. As soon as she was free, he turned his attention to her and bowing low, he held her gloved hand and kissed it gently. "Woman, you have been missed. We've talked of nothing else but this visit for weeks."

Claudia smiled and stood on tiptoe. Hugh bent forward so she could kiss his cheek. He responded by kissing her forehead. "Seeing you once a year is not enough!" His voice was choked with emotion.

"Oh Hugh, that's my feeling exactly. Matter of fact, I told James today that I fully intend to visit again after our fall harvest."

Josh hugged Jeb, shook James' hand and patted his back. He turned to greet Elbert, and was surprised to be pulled into El's strong arms. "Ha, trying to ignore me were you?"

"Never, not a chance. How are you El?" Josh stepped back and looked into Elbert's face. "I think you're getting better looking as you age. The silver in your hair adds something."

"Better looking you say," Elbert repeated as he straightened first one side then the other of his mustache. "Did you hear that, Claudie? Josh thinks I'm getting better looking as I age."

"Well I hadn't noticed but now that you mention it ..." Stepping back, she put her hand to her chin and walked closer to Elbert. She moved her eyes over his face slowly, all the while studying the blushing man.

"Yep, he's definitely getting better looking. Don't you think, Dad?"

"I do. And it's grateful I am, too." Jeb deadpanned.

"Grateful? Why?" Elbert asked innocently.

"Why, because Son, you were downright homely when you first came out to our place. Wasn't he, James?"

"Oh, no, you are not dragging me into any of this foolishness." James laughed, "I can't believe it. I don't think we've been here more than ten minutes and it's started all ready." Grinning at them, he continued loading the baggage cart.

Josh and Jeb left the managing of the cart to Elbert, Hugh and James, as they walked ahead of them with Claudia. "You better bundle up tightly Claudie, that wind is fierce," Josh adjusted her collar up as they approached the exit.

"Thanks, I'll be just fine. I'm so excited. I can't wait to see Molly and Maggie. How's Nora doing, Josh? Her letters are always about everyone else; she seldom ever mentions herself or how she's feeling."

"That's Nora. She's doing well, and she looks wonderful. She of course, thinks she's fat, ugly and misshapen! As for Molly and Maggie, well they're as anxious to see you as you are them!" Jeb grabbed hold of the door, and had to put his weight into opening it against the blowing wind. "Whew, you weren't kidding when you said it was cold. That wind cut through me as though it were a sword of ice." He shivered and hunkered deeper into his sheepskin coat.

Claudia and Jeb climbed into the warmth of the carriage, while the others stowed the travelers' gear in the boot.

Molly and Maggie had taken extra care ensuring that the house glowed like no other. Displays of pine and spruce garlands filled each of the communal rooms; pinecones and bright sprigs of holly berries decorated candle bases and garishly painted gourds. The pungent aroma of recently harvested evergreens filled the house. Hand-painted platters and bowls of china, crystal and milk glass graced tables, mantle edges, credenzas and any available surface, all filled to overflow with tiny cakes and homemade candies.

Her expression one of anticipation, Claudia squealed when the coach stopped, "Oh my, how lovely it looks. Have you ever seen anything as inviting?" Her grinning companions didn't have to state their answer.

* * *

Before any of them could set foot to the pavement, Molly, Maggie and Eamonn spilled out of the glass-paneled door. Everett followed a moment later after taking an extra minute to wrap little Abby tightly in a throw.

Hugs and welcomes echoed as they took turns greeting one another.

"Daddy!" Abigail called, trying to loosen her arms.

Josh took his daughter from Everett, kissed her nose before handing the tot back to Maggie. The three women bustled into the house while the men formed a line, tossing the bags and boxes from the wagon's boot into the house.

Claudia sniffed as she entered the foyer, "The house smells so Christmasy. I don't know what you're baking but it smells delicious." She removed her gloves and scarf. "The only one missing is Nora. Will she be able to come?"

"Yes dear, not to worry." Molly answered taking her cloak, "Josh will fetch her as soon as they get the coach unloaded."

Maggie waited until Claudia hung her things, and as soon as she finished straightening her clothing, led her into the library. Abigail rushed past them and launched her tiny self onto a small chaise.

"Look, see what we've done in here? We've made it into a private retreat for Josh and Nora. That way she won't have to go up and down the stairs to their rooms." Maggie clasped her hands to her chest, "Bless Molly, she talked them into staying until New Years."

Reaching down for Abby, she picked her up and continued, "And this little bundle has been staying with us for the last couple of days and I don't know how we'll give her back. She's brought so much fun to this house of adults."

* * *

Molly and Maggie finished preparing dinner, while Hugh, Everett and Eamonn helped carry the luggage to their designated rooms. Claudia joined the women in the kitchen, whilst Elbert, James, and Jeb disappeared into the parlor.

Upon hearing Josh and Nora's voices, Claudia scooped Abby into her arms and hurried to the foyer.

"Oh Nora," Claudia cooed softly. She put the little girl down, watching until the child was steady and then held her friend close. "I've missed you so. You look wonderful."

"Mama!" Abby screeched holding her arms in the air, opening and closing her fingers demanding to be picked up.

"Oh Claudie, I've missed you too." Nora kissed Claudia on the cheek. "Just a moment, baby," she said to her daughter, "Let mommy get her coat off."

Claudia helped her friend remove her outerwear and made room for the chair Josh brought for his wife. No sooner was Nora seated, than her daughter climbed up onto what was left of her lap. "Did you miss mama love?" Nora asked, nuzzling her little girl.

"No!" The child responded snuggling into her mommy, and tucking her thumb into her mouth.

Josh stooped and gently removed Nora's boots, replacing them with a pair of embroidered booties. "There now, everything okay?" Not waiting for Nora to answer, he rose, bent slightly at the waist, and presented his great arm to her. Nora placed Abby back on the floor, took hold of his arm and hoisted herself up into a standing position, she leaned close to him, and lightly pecked his cheek, "Yes, thank you, darling."

Nora spotted Jeb as she stepped into the hall, and immediately walked to him, her hands extended. He took one, kissed it, put his arm about her thickened waist, and led her into the parlor where James and Elbert waited to greet her.

Abby marched back and forth, in and out between the legs of the adults. She passed Jeb twice before stopping and tugging on his trousers.

"Well hello short-stuff." he stooped to the child's eye level. Holding his arms out to her, she grabbed hold, and smiled her pleasure at being picked up.

"It seems I've made a friend. She wanted nothing to do with any of us when we first arrived. But it appears she's changed her mind, for now at least." Jeb smiled into the baby's face.

"Careful with her, Jeb; she's fickle. One moment she makes you feel like a king, and within seconds, she'll throw you and your heart to the floor. Believe me, I know. She practices her womanly talents on me nightly," her daddy warned.

* * *

"I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve. It seems no matter how long we're all together it's never enough." Molly caught sight of the welling moisture in Claudia's eyes, "Oh Lord, did I do that? It's sorry I am. I'm such a sentimental fool."

"Sentimental yes, fool no! It's just that I was thinking the very same thing. And of course," Claudia reached over and took Nora's hand in hers, and squeezed her fingers, "knowing we're to have another baby in just a few months, excuse me," she said softly, then turned away and wiped her eyes, "What is it you always say Molly, 'Sometimes you feel as though your bladder is next to your eyes'? That's exactly how I feel today."

Molly put her arm around Claudia and gave her a hug. "I thank God for the wonderful life I have and the glory of my adopted family, especially now, when we're all together. I don't know that I could love any of you more than I do. I feel as though we're sisters."

"Whsht, enough now," Nora exclaimed, "Or we'll all be bawling like babies. And the next thing you'll know we'll have awakened the little princess demon."

"Princess Demon, the very idea," Molly murmured adjusting a drooping branch. "Although it is a fitting description."

"Hmm, I think we've lost Claudia. What were you thinking dear? You looked as though you were a million miles away." Nora asked.

"Did I? I guess I was," Claudia smiled sweetly. I remember one afternoon, when James was about four and Julianne near three ... Michael fenced in a little section of the yard, so they could go outside without having to hold my hand or stay in their prams. One day after they had played alone for about half an hour I brought them inside for a snack and took them upstairs for their afternoon nap. I couldn't have been downstairs more than four or five minutes, after tucking them in, when I heard the two laughing as I'd never heard before. I hurried up the stairs to find them sitting in their cribs watching butterflies fluttering hither and yon. They must have captured and tucked the tiny creatures into their pockets. Evidently they'd forgotten, because James told me he was almost asleep when the first one kissed his cheek."

Claudia, her hand lightly touching Nora's face added. "They were such delightful children, just like your wee Abby."

"Oh my, butterfly kisses," Nora said incredulously. "Now that I think on it, I don't think James has changed one iota since then - he's still the most loving and gentle of men. Isn't he?"

"He is that." Molly agreed.

"I've never thought of him as being gentle," his mother said, "but yes, that is what he is ... there's a tenderness - a kindness about him," she paused. "Thank you for reminding me. I spend every day with him and yet I wonder if he knows how much I respect the man he has become."

"I'm sure he knows. There isn't a person who sees the two of you together that doesn't see how much you both love and respect one another. And that goes for Jeb too." Nora cocked her head as though she was listening. "Ah, did you hear her?"

"Yes dear," Molly started for the door, "I'll get her."

"You better hurry she's been trying to climb out of her bed the last few days." Nora added.

Molly hurried into the makeshift bedroom, "Hello my precious. Did you sleep well, hmm?" She lifted the child from her bed. "Do you have a kiss for me?"

The baby put her chubby little hands around Molly's neck and kissed her cheek. "Thank you sweetheart; let's go see mommy and Aunt Claudia."

Entering the parlor, the child shrieked in delight at the decorations. "Ah, I see you agree with us; it does look pretty, doesn't it?" Claudia chucked Abby under the chin.

Molly set the child down, and walked over to help Claudia finish adding sprigs of holly to the evergreen garland. "I can't get over how welcoming everything looks." She placed three more sprigs in the evergreen.

Nora took her daughter by the hand and stepped back to the doorway, "Molly, it looks gorgeous. I think this is the most beautiful tree yet. Ha, I say that every year don't I?"

"Yes love you do say that every year." Molly smiled at her.

"I have to agree with you Maggie." Claudia moved over and stood next to Nora. "I don't know how we do it but it seems as though every year we make it prettier than the last." Claudia looked around the room, "It's hard to believe this is going to be our last celebration in this house. I know the new house will be equally comfortable, but I'm going to miss this place."

Molly nodded, looking at everything in the room affectionately. "I suspect we all will for a little while. But, I think once we've moved, it won't take long for us to feel as though we've always lived there.

* * *

Later that evening, after all the gifts were distributed and opened and the guests and their families had left for their own homes, Molly, Maggie and Claudia moved to the kitchen to complete the clean up and make fresh eggnog. Nora and Josh took little Abigail and readied her for bed. Elbert and Jeb headed for the music room followed by the other men.

Elbert sat at the piano and played a couple of old melodies. Jeb joined him on the bench and hummed along. "I didn't know you sang, Jeb." Elbert said as he played.

"Oh, there's a lot you don't know about me." Jeb chuckled good-naturedly.

"Is there a chance we'll get a story, do you think?" Elbert began playing the Jolly Old Saint Nicholas melody.

Jeb hummed a few bars and then in a strong baritone sang:

"Jolly old Saint Nicholas, Lean your ear this way! Don't you tell a single soul What I'm going to say: "Christmas Eve is coming soon;

The music drifted through the house, and upon hearing Jeb's voice the women hurried to the parlor, as did Nora and Josh.

Now you dear old man Whisper what you'll bring to me; Tell me if you can."

When the clock is striking twelve, When I'm fast asleep Down the chimney, broad and black, With your pack you'll creep. All the stockings you will find Hanging in a row. Mine will be the shortest one. You'll be sure to know.

Bobby wants a pair of skates. Suzy wants a sled. Nellie wants a picture book, Yellow, blue, and red. Now I think I'll leave you to decide, What to give the rest. Choose for me, dear Santa Claus; You will know the best.

"Dad how wonderful," Claudia cried clapping her hands, "I haven't heard you sing in a long, long time." She placed her hands on her father's shoulders, kissing the top of his head.

"When I was a little girl," she turned to include everyone in her thoughts, "my dad used to sing to me. If I awoke during the night, I'd call out and he'd come along, light a little candle next to my bed and then he'd sing to me until I fell back to sleep."

Jeb turned to her and smiled with pleasure at her memories. "Seems like we're all a bit sentimental this year, and I think it's our darling little Abby bringing it out. In my minds' eye, I see my own young family. My loving wife, Augie, my children, Archie, Claudia, Schuyler, and Ephraim; they were a happy and lively bunch. Archie and Claudia were the leaders, Schuyler and Ephraim followed." Jeb quieted and stared into the fire. "My wife's been gone now fifteen years. I still miss her every day."

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Prairie Hamlet: River's Edgeby Kate McKenna Copyright © 2009 by Kate McKenna. Excerpted by permission.
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