Christmas on the Prairie Read online

  Seth snatched up the package and clapped Jonah on the shoulder. “Come with me.”

  “Oh, Mr. Dobson, please...”

  Ignoring Ansley’s protest, he marched Jonah outside, onto the porch.

  “Now, what was that all about?” he demanded.

  Jonah looked down at his scuffed boots and shrugged.

  “Look at me,” Seth said. Slowly, the boy lifted his stormy gaze to Seth’s. “Now, explain yourself.”

  “I don’t want nothing from her.”

  “Well, that’s too bad. You think your ma would have wanted you to be rude to her only sister?”

  “She didn’t love Ma. She never answered her letters or came to see her. Ma cried sometimes.”

  Drawing in a deep breath, Seth released some of his anger. “Jonah, the truth is your aunt Ansley didn’t know about the letters. She didn’t even know where your ma lived.”

  A frown creased Jonah’s brow, but he didn’t respond.

  “Your ma and Aunt Ansley lived with their aunt. And she was angry with your ma for leaving Boston and marrying your pa, so she had the letters sent back without Aunt Ansley ever knowing anything about them.”

  Jonah looked down again, kicking at the wood planks beneath his feet. “You think that’s true?”

  “From what I’ve seen of your aunt, I do believe her. She’s grieving her sister, just as much as you’re grieving your ma and pa. But you can’t take it out on her.” He shoved the package toward the boy. “You do what you think is best, but whether you keep the gift or not, you owe her an apology.”

  Seth walked back inside, leaving the boy to mull over his words.

  “Did you give him a lickin’, Uncle Seth?” Lily’s sad eyes met his.

  “No, just a good talking to.”

  Ansley’s breath left her in a whoosh and he realized she’d been wondering the same thing.

  Teddy set a slice of pie in front of him. “Where’s Jonah?”

  “Doing some thinking. He’ll be back in soon.”

  Teddy jabbed her hands on her hips and glanced around the table. “Come on, girls, let’s clean up, then we’ll have a story before bed.”

  Ansley stood. “Since this is my second time here, I am no longer a guest,” she reminded Teddy. “I get to help.”

  Teddy grinned. “Okay, another pair of hands will make things go a lot faster.”

  By the time the women finished cleaning up, a very subdued Jonah came back inside. In one hand, he held the empty paper and in the other, his gift.

  Ansley remained where she sat, her eyes thoughtful and waiting, as they observed Jonah. He went straight to her and sat in the chair next to hers. “I reckon I gotta say I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting.”

  “Oh, Jonah, I understand.”

  He shook his head. “I didn’t know you never got Ma’s letters. Just thought you didn’t care.”

  “If I’d known where she was, I’d have answered every one of them. I might even have come to see you all from time to time.”

  “That would’ve been good.”

  Lily, unable to sit still another second, sat up on her knees and flung herself across the table. “What’d you get, Jonah?”

  Snatching up the girl, Teddy gave her a little swat on the rump. “Silly girl. You know better than to get on the table.”

  “Well, I want to see Jonah’s present.”

  A slow grin spread across Jonah’s face and he held up the very knife he’d been eyeing at the general store for the past six months.

  A sickening churning started in Seth’s stomach as Teddy’s eyes went wide and she glanced at Seth. “That’s beautiful, Jonah!”

  He nodded. “It’s the one I been wanting.” He turned to Ansley and threw his arms around her. “Thank you.”

  “You are most welcome.” Ansley’s face beamed with pleasure as she held Jonah for the brief time the boy allowed.

  Seth forced a smile, but as he looked at the bone-handled knife, he thought about how easily Ansley Potter had strolled in, dropped some cash like it was nothing and purchased the very item Teddy had been saving egg money to purchase for the boy’s Christmas present.

  Was that how it would be if she decided to fight him for custody?

  Unable to take it anymore Seth shoved to his feet, mumbled an excuse about chores and stomped out into the crisp fall night.

  Pain swelled inside his chest at the very thought of the children leaving him. He knew he had to at least consider Carson’s offer to buy Frank’s land. It was the only way he could fight if Miss Potter decided to pursue custody. And even if he lost in the end, at least they would know that he gave everything he had to keep them.

  * * *

  Ansley stepped into the telegraph office the next morning, hoping to find a reply from her lawyer. She could still feel Jonah’s warm body in her arms and reveled in the memory. The more time she spent with the children, the more convinced she was that she was doing the right thing. She shoved aside the thought that they might resent her for tearing them away from Seth and Teddy. That she was trying to do the same thing Aunt Maude had done to her and Rose.

  But it wasn’t the same thing at all. This wasn’t selfishness. She wanted the children because she believed she could give them a better life than they might have here in Prairie Chicken.

  Five minutes later, she walked back onto the boardwalk, disappointed that there was no answer from her lawyer.

  Ill at ease, she walked slowly, nodding hello to the other residents on the street. Women in homespun and rag bonnets, all pressed and clean. They smiled but didn’t offer to stop and chat. Loneliness called out to her, a sense that she didn’t belong here. She could be a visitor, but she simply wasn’t one of them.

  There were no plans for her to see the children that day or evening, and she felt a sense of loss as she contemplated what to do with her evening. When she arrived back at the boardinghouse, she stepped past the porch and went around back to the barn. On a whim, she saddled Bella, taking care to cinch the straps tight enough without hurting the animal.

  She climbed into the saddle and headed off in the only direction she knew to go. Toward Seth and Teddy’s home. The day was sunny. With no rain the day before, the ground had hardened so she gave Bella her head and allowed her to trot along the rutted road.

  There was no one home when she reached the Dobson’s house. Disappointment flooded her. She’d looked forward to a chat with Teddy. She started to head back to town when an idea came to her. Turning Bella she continued down the road. Teddy had told her Frank and Rose had lived just a few miles away.

  Ansley’s heartbeat quickened as she rode the distance to the cabin where Rose had made her home. She almost felt guilty, like a thief about to sneak into a home when the owners were away. Only the sound of leaves rustling beneath Bella’s hooves provided any break in the silence.

  Finally, she saw a cabin sitting alone in the clearing. No smoke curled out from the chimney, even on this cool morning, so Ansley knew she’d found the right place. The barn and cabin looked cared for, as though someone came periodically to make sure it didn’t become run-down. The thought that Seth and Teddy would keep up the cabin pleased Ansley. They truly were good people.

  She dismounted and wrapped Bella’s reins around the post that stretched across the porch. Taking the one step up, she jumped as the sound of her heels on the wooden porch startled her.

  Tears sprang to her eyes. She wished like anything she could open the door and Rose would be on the other side, baking bread, offering her a cup of tea. If she’d known where Rose was, they might have had mornings like that during Ansley’s visits.

  Well, there was nothing to do but go on inside or get back on Bella and head to the boardinghouse. She hesitated only a second longer and turned the latch. Shoving the door
open, she stepped inside. Other than the thick layer of dust covering every surface, the cabin had clearly not been disturbed since Frank’s and Rose’s deaths. On one side of the room sat a beautiful settee with roses and leaves, and a wooden rocking chair. The fireplace was against the far wall between the living area and kitchen. Clearly, Frank had built Rose a lovely home and had given in to her desire for lovely things. Even Seth’s two-story farmhouse didn’t have such lovely furniture.

  In the kitchen, the pots and pans were not of general-store quality. These resembled the ones used by Aunt Maude’s cooks. Ansley knew they were expensive, as Aunt Maude gave the cook a sound tongue lashing once when she burned a hole in the pot and it had to be replaced.

  She brushed her fingertips along the sleek top of the table. Where Seth and Teddy’s table was clearly handmade, this one also looked store-bought.

  Walking into the bedroom, she found a tidy, lovely little room with a bed, wardrobe, and an oak desk in the corner. She walked to the desk, curious about the papers, but didn’t feel comfortable riffling through any of it. Of course, it made no sense to leave all this just sitting here. Someone would have to go through their things and begin packing it all away either to give away to charity, or store for the children for when they were older.

  With a sigh, she walked back into the living area, only to be greeted by a low growl. She gasped and stopped short at the sight of an enormous, furry beast of a dog. She knew she had two choices. She could either do a quick step back into the bedroom, close the door and hide until the dog went away, or she could try to make the animal trust her.

  Forcing a pleasant tone, she reached out a shaky hand. “Hello there, boy...or girl. It’s okay. You don’t want to bite poor Ansley, do you?”

  The dog stopped growling and tilted its head to one side, as though trying to figure out what on earth she was talking about. Encouraged, Ansley took a step forward. The dog followed suit, until eventually, they met in the middle. Ansley stood, unsure what to do next. If she tried to pet the animal, would she lose some fingers? Before she could decide, the dog gave a quick bark and jumped, resting his massive paws on her chest, nearly knocking her off her feet. Terror seized her as she stepped back to avoid losing her balance. Just as she was about to scream for help, the dog’s pink tongue stretched out and left a wet stream from her chin to her forehead—including her nose.

  He dropped down, turning in circles at her feet, his tail knocking against the rocking chair, settee and table. Ansley wiped her face with her sleeve and let out a nervous laugh. “Well, I’m glad you were only bluffing,” she said. “But how on earth did you get inside?”

  “The latch is tricky. If you don’t know how to shut it just right, the door comes open.”

  Ansley jerked around at the sound of a man’s voice to find Seth standing in the doorway, pistol drawn, looking formidable.

  “Goodness, Seth, you nearly scared me to death.”

  There wasn’t a hint of apology in his eyes as he looked from her to the dog—which he clearly dismissed as a nonthreat—and back to her. “What are you doing here, Ansley?”

  Ansley shrugged and absently scratched the dog’s head. “I wanted to see where Rose lived.”

  “We would’ve been happy to show you the cabin if you’d asked.”

  How dare he imply she was intruding.

  Seth opened the door wider and called the dog, who went to him easily. He shooed the animal outside and closed the door behind it.

  “I did stop at the house. There was no one home.”

  A frown creased his brow as he slipped his gun back into the holster on his hips. “Oh, that’s right, Teddy was going to take a meal to one of the older women.

  “So you see?”

  “I guess you probably think Rose lived beneath her station, don’t you?” He waved to include the entire room.

  “Actually, I was surprised to find that she had such nice things. Even the boardinghouse doesn’t hold a candle to the furnishings in this little cabin.”

  A sigh left Seth and he nodded. “Frank wanted her to live the way she was accustomed to living.”

  “Are you saying my sister was the cause of Frank’s living beyond his means?”

  His gaze shifted quickly from the furnishings to meet hers. “What do you mean they lived beyond their means?”

  Caught, Ansley inwardly chided herself. “I just...well, it seems as though perhaps a farmer couldn’t afford these things. But I haven’t been here. So I couldn’t possibly know.”

  “Well, Frank always was a little fancy for his own good. And it wasn’t Rose’s fault he lived above his means. He just wanted to give her things.”

  “He must have loved her very much.”

  Seth nodded. “He did. Are you finished here, Miss Potter? I’d be happy to escort you back to town.”

  Obviously she was being dismissed. Ansley nodded. “There’s no need to escort me to the boardinghouse,” she said. “I’d hate to pull you away from your own work.” She smiled to show him she wasn’t just being stubborn. But she had almost revealed her place in saving the farm and she was afraid if they continued the conversation about Frank’s frivolous nature, she might divulge the information before she was ready.

  Outside, they said their farewells. Then Seth turned back to her. “Miss Potter?”

  “Yes?”

  “There is a harvest dance in town tomorrow night. Would you like to go?”

  Heat rose to her cheeks, and her heart sped up. “I’d love to, Mr. Dobson.”

  He nodded. “Teddy thought you might. We’ll stop by the boardinghouse and pick you up on our way. You probably won’t want to ride Bella to a dance.”

  “Thank you.”

  He touched his hat. “We’ll see you then. Have a good day.”

  Her excitement plunged. Of course he wasn’t inviting her as a beau. She was such a fool.

  Chapter 7

  An hour after leaving Ansley, Seth sat across from Mr. Carson. The man did not appear to be wealthy, though the whole town knew he had more money in his bank account than the rest of the residents of Prairie Chicken combined. “Well?” Mr. Carson asked, lacing his fingers atop the oak desk. “Do we have a deal?”

  Seth knew he had the option to keep his late brother’s land in the family as a legacy for the children. While the two girls would likely marry and move into a home built by their husbands, Jonah very well might want to live in the home his parents had shared, where he’d been born. The decision weighed heavily on Seth’s mind. The amount Mr. Carson was offering for the land adjoining his was above market price. The proceeds would secure the children’s future.

  For the past month, he’d been trying to make a decision about Mr. Carson’s offer. Still, he had come to the agreed-upon meeting today with no idea what Frank would have wanted him to do.

  “I’m waiting, Mr. Dobson.” The tapping of Mr. Carson’s fingers atop his desk grated on Seth’s nerves like the sound of a wagon wheel in need of a good greasing.

  “Your offer is generous, Mr. Carson.”

  “I’d say more than generous.”

  “Okay. More than generous.” Seth pushed the unsigned document across the desk. “I’m just not ready to commit to the sale.”

  Annoyance passed over Mr. Carson’s face. He grabbed the document and rolled it up, then continued his tapping with the document. “Really, Seth. You’ve had months to think it over.”

  “And I appreciate your patience.” Seth refused to allow this man to intimidate him.

  “You’ve misinterpreted my interest in your brother’s land as patience, and you’re testing my goodwill.” He set the paper down and leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing Seth, his fingers steepled in front of his substantial stomach. “I know your brother’s land was mortgaged. And according to my sources, you’re tw
o months behind.”

  Anger hit Seth’s gut like a sucker punch. His sources? Who but the bank officer had known about the mortgage? He stood, resting his fists on the desk. “Look here, Mr. Carson. It’s true the land is mortgaged and I’m two months behind. But it’s also true there are only four payments left.”

  Seth would not allow Mr. Carson to swoop in and steal the children’s inheritance before he could make good on the loan.

  He stared at Carson, hoping he had hit a nerve, but the man’s eyes betrayed nothing. He stood, meeting Seth’s gaze head-on. “You have until tomorrow to sell the land I’m requesting, or I have it on good authority your brother’s land will be for sale by the bank. I’m doing you a favor by trying to give you a fair deal before that happens.”

  The blood drained from Seth’s face. He knew Carson was a snake—who in Prairie Chicken didn’t? But it hadn’t occurred to Seth that he himself might get bitten. “Rex knows I’m good for the money. He’s agreed to wait two more weeks, so your threats don’t hold water, Mr. Carson.”

  A short laugh found its way through the older man’s lips. “As I said, you have twenty-four hours to see reason. The price I’m offering is more than fair. Or would you prefer to be the reason those poor children grow up penniless? Is that what your brother would have wanted?”

  Though he had been inclined to consider Mr. Carson’s offer just in case he needed it to fight for custody of the children, now Seth knew he’d never give the man one acre. “I wouldn’t sell you my brother’s land at any price.” He jammed his hat onto his head. “And you can take that to the bank.”

  His hands started shaking the second he mounted Brewster and didn’t stop until he made it home—after an unsettling visit with Rex Macomb, the bank manager.

  Teddy poured him a cup of strong, steaming coffee and sat across from him. She waited until he’d swallowed his first sip before questioning him. “Whatever is the matter?”

  “Carson is forcing me to sell the land to him by tomorrow.”

  “Forcing? But how can he?”

  He shrugged. “If we don’t sell to him by tomorrow, he’ll let the foreclosure go through and get the property from the bank. You know he’s only offering the higher price because of how he felt about Ma.”