Jennie's Christmas Baby Turnaround (Christmas Holiday Western 1)

by Jackie Marie Stephens

“And this is?”

  “My dear friend, Miss Laura Edwards.” Laura bobbed her head at the introduction.

  “I’m Matthew, Matthew Williams.” He gently kissed the back of each of their proffered hands in turn. “Charmed,” his eyes were glued to Laura.

  After a pause he remembered why he was there. “Well, let’s not keep my brother waiting.” He gathered up their bags and carried them off in the direction of the street. Jennie looked at Laura, surprised that their plan had already unraveled.

  They walked quickly, following Matthew to the carriage that awaited them. It was enclosed and quite well made, with a driver and footman who both tipped their hats at the ladies as they approached the open door. Jennie clutched the basket in a near-death grip, not willing to part with the baby hidden in the basket until they arrived at the chapel.

  Glancing between the covered basket on her lap and Laura the whole time during the ride over, Jennie forced herself to relax. When the carriage stopped, she looked out and her heart and will almost gave way. She desperately wanted to turn back and return to the railway station, back to the sad, tragic, impoverished but familiar life she knew.

  Jennie’s desperate eyes searched Laura’s, who laid her hand on hers to reassure and comfort her. And finally, Jennie again looked at the basket and felt the love for her niece balloon in her chest, overcoming her fear.

  She gently patted the side of the basket and as Matthew climbed down to walk around to her side of the carriage, Jennie quickly kissed her fingers and lay them against the end of the basket where she knew Gracie’s head was.

  She reluctantly handed the basket to Laura, smoothed her wrinkled dress and took Matthew’s proffered hand as she descended the carriage steps. She slipped her arm into the crook of Matthew’s arm, allowing him to escort her into the chapel, to the beginning of her brand new life. The preacher and another man stood talking silently and Jennie got her first look at her husband-to-be.

  He was an older man, perhaps ten to fifteen years older than she. His dark hair was turning to grey along the sides. As she and Matthew walked towards them, Jennie could see that his jawline clear of stubble and his clothing was immaculate and of an expensive cut.

  She suddenly felt very poor compared to him, far poorer than she already was. He was tall and handsome and already felt so different from her and all she knew. He paused in his conversation with the preacher as if sensing their presence and looked at her across the length of the chapel.

  She felt his eyes boring into hers, assessing her body as she approached somewhat timidly on the arm of his brother. They had walked past half of the pews when she heard the creaking of wood that signaled Laura settling in towards the back to watch the proceedings unfold.

  Three steps away from him, two, and then one. Matthew took her hand from his arm and handed it to her brother with a smile. “Jennie, allow me to introduce my brother, Colin. Colin, this is…”

  “Jennie,” he breathed, his eyes taking in her face, studying her as she studied him.

  The preacher cleared his throat. Matthew headed to sit with Laura in the pews to watch the wedding ceremony with her.

  “Mr. Williams, shall we begin?” Colin turned and nodded.

  “By all means, Minister.”

  “By the grace of the Lord God, The Almighty, we are gathered here today to bind Colin and Jennie in Holy Matrimony…”

  Jennie said the simple vows and her ‘I do’s’ when prompted, but much of the ceremony went by in a blur. All of a sudden, she felt Colin reach up under her chin and angle her face to his before he pressed his lips against hers.

  His kiss was physically warm, but it lacked something. The emotion of love. She realized it as soon as their lips parted. She had no prior experience but she just knew. It seemed to be more a chaste kiss, one born of necessity rather than need. It was a quick kiss but the scent of him lingered, warm, masculine and musky.

  Jennie wondered mid-haze what she expected. They did not love each other. They did not even know each other. What kind of love exactly was she wanting? And why had she felt a twinge of sadness and disappointment as this strange man withdrew his lips and stepped back?

  “Congratulations, Mrs. Williams and welcome to Lechfield.”

  Jennie managed to smile and murmur “Thank You”. She almost jumped when Colin took her by the elbow and guided her back down the aisle and out into the morning sunshine.

  He waited as she stopped to close her eyes and feel the sun warming and comforting her. That at least felt familiar and Jennie’s dazed feeling started to lift and release her from its grip.

  She opened her eyes to find Colin staring at her. “Are you all right, Jennie?”

  “Yes. I felt a bit overwhelmed and the sun is at least familiar.”

  Colin smiled at that, understanding. “I know it will take some time for both of us to adjust and get to know each other but I feel if we are patient, this will work out. Let’s get you home and fed. You must be exhausted after your long journey.”

  “Thank You. Yes, I am.”

  He turned with her again and continued leading her back to their carriage where Matthew and Laura were waiting. Matthew introduced Laura and Jennie was thankful. Matthew seemed surprised but covered it quickly and politely took the hand Laura extended. “Welcome to our small town and thank you for accompanying my wife on her long journey here.”

  He silently helped Jennie into the carriage and climbed inside, Laura followed with Matthew, her hands clutching the basket.

  As Laura settled on the bench seat opposite the newlyweds, they heard the driver flick the reins and the horses jolted forward. Jennie was not holding on to the seat and her body swung over against Colin’s. She felt the slow heat of her blush start up her neck as she mumbled an apology and righted herself.

  Colin placed a hand over Jennie’s. His gesture seemed more possessive than comforting and he kept looking out the window as the carriage rocked down the road.

  Little Gracie decided that she was hungry and a wail arose from the basket. Colin and Matthew looked at each other, Colin stiffening with surprise as Jennie pulled the baby from the basket to try to soothe her.

  “What the devil is this?” he asked, “Whose baby is this?” he bristled with anger.

  “She is my niece, the child of my sister who passed away before I came. She was left to me and I could certainly not leave her to be raised in some terrible orphanage.” Jennie said, holding the wailing child close to her chest.

  “Jennie, please, let me feed her, she is hungry.” Laura reached for the crying baby in her aunt’s arms

  “And who are you exactly?” Colin turned his attention to Laura.

  “I’m the wet nurse and a friend of Jennie’s. She came to me after Gracie was born.” Laura arranged her shawl so that her modesty was kept while she started breastfeeding the hungry baby.

  “Brother,” Matthew placed a placating hand on Colin’s arm. “Be calm, there’s nothing you can do about this.”

  “Yes there is! I can turn this bloody carriage around and get an annulment from a lying bride whom I have not consummated my marriage with, then send them all on their way!” he roared.

  Jennie flinched and angrily brushed away the tears that were suddenly rolling down her cheeks. All her pent-up worry felt like it had broken through a dam.

  Gracie cried, her little face going red with her screaming, no longer accepting the breast Laura was desperately trying to placate her with.

  “You’ve scared the child and upset your bride. Brother be calm, this is not like you. Look, let us all get home, rest and then we’ll discuss this situation.”

  Matthew pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to Jennie. She took it gratefully with a sniffle and dabbed at her eyes. Colin scowled and pulled his hand from Jennie’s, as if he just remembered that he was holding it. Jennie lowered her head, repeatedly crushing then straightening a pleat in her dress as they continued their ride in an uncomfortable silence.

 
Chapter 4 – Homecoming

  A few hours later, the quiet was broken by Matthew. “Here we are, home sweet home.”

  Colin grunted and as soon as the carriage stopped, he jumped down, leaving Matthew to assist the women as they hurriedly clambered out.

  Jennie held Gracie’s basket as she looked around at the surrounding buildings. There was a beautiful arc of trees off to the left of a large acreage that stretched beyond the horizon.

  She then turned to focus on the large house. It was made with bricks, not wood, and the glass windows shone in the sunlight. Everything looked clean and bright. Immaculate. Just like Colin.

  Matthew offered both women an arm and escorted them across the entry yard and up a short flight of steps on to a wraparound porch. He bid them enter and waited as they passed through the front door into the house.

  It was beautiful. The very first thing that Jennie was conscious of was how much cooler her hot skin felt as the door was closed and they advanced into the entrance hall. A door opened and a young boy no more than six years old ran out and threw himself against Matthew.

  “Uncle Matthew!” he cried joyously as he wrapped his arms around Matthew, separating him from the two startled women. Laura took the basket with the baby, trying to keep the little one safe from the rambunctious lad.

  “Well, hello there scamp!” Matthew said as he ruffled the boy’s hair.

  “Did you bring me something, Uncle?” he asked, his eyes shining brightly.

  “I might have, but your father brought you something even more special… a new mother.” Matthew gestured to Jennie. She felt shy at the sudden reference to their recent marriage and remembering Colin’s subsequent dramatic outburst.

  Jennie realized this little boy was his son and now, her son too. Suddenly, she had not only one niece, now her daughter, but another older boy, her son.

  “Papa isn’t happy. He went past and didn’t say hello.”

  “Well, there are some things that we may need to work out. Your new mother has brought her niece with her and a friend to help her take care of her. Your father was a little surprised by this, that’s all.”

  “Why did her niece come too? Where’s her mama?”

  “Her mother went to heaven…” Matthew bent down on one knee to be at eye-level with the boy.

  “Just like my Mama?”

  “Yes, Thomas, just like your Mama.”

  “Oh, okay. Where is she? Can I play with her?”

  “She’s only a baby, but when she’s older, I’m sure she would love to play with her new cousin.”

  “So, she’s my cousin?” Thomas asked. Jennie took the basket from Laura and knelt down beside Matthew, placing the basket with the sleeping baby in front of the young boy.

  “Yes,” she said softly, with a smile. She pulled the blanket away. “She’s your cousin and her name is Gracie.”

  “She’s so tiny! Like a doll!” Thomas took a good look at Gracie. “Can I touch her?”

  “Yes, but you need to be very gentle.” Jennie said. Thomas put his hand down and gently stroked the baby’s face.

  “She’s so soft…” Gracie reached up and grabbed his finger with her tiny fist. “And so strong too!” He tried to pull his finger from her grip. Matthew chuckled.

  “Yes little babies do have some strength but they can be very weak and easy to hurt, so you need to be careful when she’s around.” Thomas managed to pry his finger from Gracie’s grasp. Jennie looked up and saw Colin watching them from a doorway. Their eyes connected and he stepped forward, into the entry hall.

  “Rooms are being prepared for the baby and her nurse. You will stay with me in our bedroom, wife.”

  “I’ll expect you all dressed and ready for dinner at five in the dining room. My cook has been preparing a small feast for your arrival. Perhaps it is fortunate that you have brought your friend, for there will be hardly any wasted food,” Colin turned away and left through the double doors at the end of the hallway.

  “Well, let’s get you all settled then, shall we?” Matthew said, getting to his feet and helping Jennie to hers. He picked up the basket and led them through the house, showing them the parlor, the sitting room, Colin’s study, the kitchens and the two dining rooms. One was smaller than the other to be used when they were enjoying a simpler less formal family meal.

  Thomas babbled on about the house and the woods that lay not too far from the house.

  “There’s deer and bears and mountain lions!” he exclaimed excitedly.

  “Yes, and you have been told not to go into the woods alone until you’re old enough to handle your father’s rifle.” Matthew said sternly.

  “I know, Uncle, I was just telling my new mother, so she is careful.” Thomas led them into the kitchen where the cook was busy preparing a blackberry pie.

  “It’s father’s favorite,” Thomas beamed, all-knowingly. The cook smiled at him.

  “Yes, and blackberries will be harder to come by soon, so we pick a large number and preserve them for the winter months.” Cook grinned and winked at the little boy.

  “There’s a lot of blackberries in the woods, I go with Uncle Matthew to pick them in summer.”

  “How lovely!” Jennie said enthusiastically.

  After Matthew introduced Jennie and Laura to the Cook, they continued their tour of the house until they reached the library.

  Jennie was in heaven. Books lined the shelves, their leather spines dull but filled with hidden knowledge. She could not wait to open one up and begin reading.

  “Well, let me show you ladies to the washroom so you can freshen up a bit. It’s almost time for dinner.”

  Afterwards, Matthew returned to escort them back to the library so Jennie could continue looking at some of the books on the shelves.

  The sound of a throat clearing drew their attention. Jennie turned to see a finely dressed man standing at the doorway.

  “Dinner is served, if you would please attend the dining hall.”

  Laura leaned in towards Jennie, “We have a butler?” She whispered.

  “Yes, we have a butler and housemaids,” Matthew said, leaning in with a smile before he escorted the two women to the dining hall.

  A maid came and collected Gracie from Laura’s arms, taking her to the nursery.

  Colin was awaiting their arrival in the dining hall, seated at the head of the table. The setting was of silver, the plates were of white china with a pretty blue design intricately painted around the edges. Candles flickered in the silver table top candelabra, casting shadow and light over the beautiful rose and lilac-scented floral arrangement placed between them.

  Portraits lined the walls. One, a picture of a beautiful woman, sat right behind Colin. The resemblance to Thomas was uncanny. Jennie felt a hand take hers, she looked down and then up. Colin’s eyes met hers. There was a sadness to them that she could not understand. He led her to the table, seating her beside him, sliding the chair beneath her before he too sat down.

  Jennie was unsure of what to do. She had never eaten at a fancy dining table like this, like quality folk did. There were too many knives and forks to choose from but the first course was a simple soup. At least she knew which of the fine silverware to use for that. Once all were seated and served, Colin said grace before they began to eat in silence.

  Course after course was served until Jennie felt she was going to burst. She had never had so much to eat and knew that Laura too had never eaten so well. Matthew stood and escorted Laura out of the dining hall when she made her excuses to leave. It was time for Gracie’s feeding.

  Colin wiped his mouth with a napkin, tossing the white cloth down beside his plate. Laura saw one corner land in the plate where it soaked up the gravy from the roast chicken.

  “Come, wife,” he said, taking her hand. “It is time for us to go to bed.” Jennie stood, her legs shaking. She was no fool. She knew what was to come, despite never having experienced laying with a man. She forced her nerves to calm and followed her husband to
his bed.

  Chapter 5 – Rough Morning Encounter

  Bright morning sunshine broke through the gap in the heavy drapes, the light falling across Jennie’s face and waking her up.

  She found Colin’s side of the bed empty and cold and wondered where he was.

  The evening’s events played on her mind. He was courteous but not loving, dutiful in the bedroom but she felt that there was something vital missing within him. It saddened her to think that he might be a man without love, or one whom had been denied it. She dressed in one of her simple dresses before she headed down to the kitchens to find something for breakfast.

  Thomas was there already, eating some fruit.

  “Good morning, Mother.” He said brightly. Jennie smiled, blushing. It would take some getting used to being called ‘Mother’.

  “Good morning, Thomas.” Jennie said, ruffling his hair. The maid came and set down a tray with warm bread, butter, jam and a pot of tea with a bowl of fruit on the side. Jennie sat down next to Thomas and began to enjoy her repast while Thomas chattered away.

  “Father’s cattle and sheep ranches are so big, Mother and he owns a stock yard where they sell other people’s stock as well.”

  “Well, one day you will have to show me the stock yard and the ranches.” Jennie said.

  “Jennie.” Colin’s gruff voice broke the warm mood. “What on earth are you wearing, woman?” She turned and looked at Colin.

  “A dress…?” Jennie said, unsure of why he was asking. It was not as if she was wearing her nightgown.

  “That? I would not call that a dress. That is a rag, only fit to wipe down my horses after a hard run.” He took her by the arm and hauled her down the hallway to the bedroom, bellowing for the maids as he went. They curtseyed before the master of the house and his wife when they arrived in the bedroom.

  “My wife is to be dressed appropriately at all times. None of her old clothing is to be on her body ever again. Tear the old dresses she has brought with her into rags and when she is dressed in proper attire, she is to be presented to me in my study.” He finally released Jennie’s arm. Down the hall, the wail of little Gracie could be heard.