He turned to her, a beaming smile on his face. “I have wonderful news for you, Lucy.”
“What?” she snapped. The woman, obviously the thief from New York, hung onto her papa’s arm as if she couldn’t stand on her own two feet.
Papa frowned slightly. “I would like you to meet Mrs. Sylvia Hardwick.”
Lucy nodded her head in Sylvia’s direction. “Charmed.”
Returning her gaze to her father, she said, “Papa, what took you so long? The guests will arrive any minute.”
Before he could answer, the doorbell chimed. Lucy patted her hair, and smoothed her dress. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, and their exceedingly plain, unmarried daughter, entered the hall, and greeted them with Christmas wishes.
“How nice to see you, Eli, Lucy,” Mrs. Douglas said. They turned expectantly to the woman standing by Papa, with curiosity.
“Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, I would like to present to you my fiancée, Mrs. Sylvia Hardwick.” Papa said proudly.
Lucy gasped and grabbed the back of the chair next to her. “Your fiancée?”
Dear God, when he said she might become a member of the family, she never expected it to be so soon. The witch would probably pilfer the silverware when her papa wasn’t looking. She’d have to hide all her jewelry.
“Yes, dear, your father and I just became engaged.” Sylvia raised her hand to display the beautiful ring.
Rage coursed over Lucy in waves.
The woman probably can’t wait to quit that stupid job at the restaurant and live off Papa’s money.
She took a deep breath as a slow smile split her face.
Not if she’s in jail, she won’t.
* * *
Lucy’s jaw ached from grinding her teeth together. This party had turned into a disaster. First, she had to deal with her papa’s surprise engagement. Reeling from that, she didn’t get a chance to catch her breath before other guests began to arrive. Then Papa pushed that woman into the limelight, introducing her to everyone as if she were royalty. No one paid any attention to Lucy.
Nate and Angel arrived about an hour after the party started, probably because of those sniveling little terrors. She’d tried to get close to him for a while, but he never left Angel’s side, or her infuriating stepmother. At this point, Lucy had a raging headache, and wished everyone would leave so she could lock her bedroom door and have a few drinks from her newly replenished liquor bottle.
* * *
Angel laughed as Nate spun her around on the dance floor.
He bent his head and whispered in her ear, “I hope you’ve forgotten your undergarments again.”
“Guess.” She smiled.
He pulled her close and growled.
Christmas always being her favorite holiday anyway, this year having a husband and children made it all the more special for Angel. As they glided around the dance floor, her eyes focused on Sylvia and Eli, arm in arm and speaking with two other couples. Her stepmother positively glowed tonight. Shaking her head, Angel still couldn’t believe Sylvia was going to marry Eli Benson. No matter what, the woman always landed on her feet.
She fanned herself after leaving Nate, and joined a group of other married women gathered in a circle far enough away from the band to allow for conversation. Nate had gone to ask the Douglas girl to dance. How kind of her husband to seek out the young ladies who most likely would never make it to the dance floor if he hadn’t asked. She truly did owe Sylvia a big ‘thank you’ for sending her to him.
Angel spent an enjoyable time chatting with the women. It being difficult to get to town too often, she caught up on all the news. The hair on the back of her neck rose as a deep voice sounded in her ear. “When do you want to leave, honey?”
She turned to Nate. “I’m ready whenever you are. I imagine the boys will be awake early tomorrow, and I have that big dinner to fix. Or burn.” She laughed.
“Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you. Eli has invited all of us for Christmas dinner. Do you mind?”
“All of us? The children, too?”
He nodded.
“Heavens no, that’s wonderful. Another meal I won’t have to ruin.” They excused themselves from the women, Angel taking his arm to find Eli and Lucy, and say their good nights.
* * *
Eli had attached himself firmly to Sylvia’s side as he talked with his guests. Lucy had disappeared, so Nate and Angel said their goodbyes to Eli, and headed for the door. Nate helped her into the buggy, and as he turned to walk to the other side, he heard his name called.
Lucy ran down the steps, her skirt bunched in her fist.
“Nate, please wait for me.” She gasped as she hurried to him.
“I didn’t get to talk to you all night,” she pouted. “You danced with everyone else except me.”
“Lucy, you had so many men vying for your attention, I’m sure you didn’t miss me.” He grinned.
“Yes I did,” she stomped her foot. “You danced with every ugly girl at the party.”
Nate’s smile faltered. “That remark was uncalled for, Lucy.”
“I’m sorry. I think my father’s surprise announcement has unsettled me.” She moved closer and ran her tongue around her lips. “Goodnight, Nate, thanks for coming.” Rising on tiptoes, she kissed him soundly on the mouth, attempting to coax his mouth open with her tongue.
Nate pulled back and pried her arms from around his neck. “Good night.”
He climbed into the buggy, and slapping the reins, they left.
“Nate, something needs to be done about that young woman.” Angel huddled in the corner, shivering from the cold damp air.
Glancing sideways, he pulled her over and wrapped his arm around her. “I know. And even more disturbs me.”
She snuggled into his warmth. “What?”
“I distinctly smelled liquor on her breath. And I’m not speaking of the champagne at the party, but strong spirits.”
“Oh, my. I’m afraid Sylvia’s going to have her hands full with that one.”
“So it seems.” He hugged her closer and steered the buggy toward home.
* * *
Before the sun had eased over the horizon, Luke and John crawled into their parents’ bed.
“Papa,” John whispered in Nate’s ear.
He kept his eyes closed. “What?”
“It’s Christmas.” Luke whispered in his other ear.
“I know.” Nate opened one eye.
“Can we go look in our stockings?” John still whispered.
“If you’re whispering to keep from waking me up, it’s too late, gentlemen.” Angel sat up and grabbed a pillow from under Nate’s head. With a grin and a mighty swing, she swatted Luke on the back.
“Pillow fight!” John yelled, grabbing Angel’s pillow.
The peaceful morning air rang with giggles, tickles and pillow slinging. Soon Matt and Mark joined the fray. Nate and Angel scooted out of the bed and left the boys to battle it out. Angel lifted Julia-Rose who cried to join her brothers.
Angel put on coffee and heated milk for potted chocolate. Not long after, the boys joined them in the kitchen.
“Can we look in our stockings now?” Mark asked.
“Angel and I will be right in, just wait for a minute. Matt, go change Julia-Rose please, and Mark, set out cups for coffee and chocolate.”
Angel breathed in the cool air as Nate started a fire. She glanced around in amazement. Her family. What a huge difference from last Christmas, with her and Sylvia trying to cheer each other, so soon after Papa’s death. The table had been filled with all kinds of Christmas dishes, served by starched servants. She and Sylvia nibbled a bit and then excused themselves from the table and went their own way.
She’d attended a Christmas party much like the one last night, but instead of dancing all night in the strong arms of her husband, she’d bantered and flirted with a number of men. No one made her feel a tiny bit the way she did when she looked at Nate.
His hair falling over his forehead
, he shoved it back and continued helping her get the coffee and chocolate ready for Christmas morning. The boys danced around with impatience, with Julia-Rose trying to keep up with toddler steps.
Soon, the family gathered in the parlor, and the boys dug into their stockings which contained fruit, a candy stick, and a few toys. Nate had elected not to have candles on the tree for safety reasons, so the house sat in shadows until the sun came up. By then Angel had served her family breakfast, and they all chattered about going to Eli Benson’s house for Christmas dinner.
“Angel, can you finish reading A Christmas Carol to us before we go?” Matt asked.
“Yes, I’ll do that as soon as we’re cleaned up from breakfast.” She wiped Julia-Rose’s hands free of scrambled eggs.
“Before that, boys, we need to read the story of the ‘First Christmas’ from the Bible,” Nate added. ”In fact, Mark can you read for us?”
The boy’s face glowed with pride. Since Angel had been tutoring him, his confidence had grown.
After the readings from the Bible and Dickens’ book, Luke crawled on Angel’s lap and twirled her hair around his finger. “Why does Julia-Rose get to call you Mama, and we all call you Angel?”
“Because she’s our Angel. Papa said so when she came,” Mark said, sucking on his peppermint stick.
“I already have an angel Mama in heaven. I want a real one here.” Luke looked at her, his eyes wide.
Angel’s heart melted, and she turned to Nate for help.
“If any of you want to call Angel Mama, I’m sure it would be all right with her.” Nate studied each boy in turn.
“Is it all right with you?” Matt looked at her from across the room.
Because she couldn’t talk, Angel merely nodded, and wiping quickly at her tears, hugged Luke. Before long the other three settled next to her, and she hugged them all.
When she finally spoke over the lump in her throat, she looked beyond four small heads at Nate. “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”
“Me, too.” Nate watched them, all gathered together on the settee. Julia-Rose climbed from his lap, and toddled over to Angel.
“Mama, up.”
* * *
Lucy nursed a headache, and a rolling stomach, as she sat at the breakfast table. At Papa’s insistence, Sylvia had spent the night at the Benson home, which wasn’t exactly scandalous since technically, Lucy was a chaperone.
Papa had sent his man to the Hale’s to get a change of clothes for Sylvia. In the meantime, she used one of Lucy’s silk robes after her bath.
Papa’s face flushed with high spirits, and Sylvia kept stealing glances at him from across the table. Annoyed at their exuberance, Lucy hated that her pouting had no effect on the older couple who only had eyes for each other.
They told her the Hale family would be joining them for Christmas dinner, and Lucy decided to get Nate alone this time. With all those urchins running around, keeping Angel busy, the opportunity would present itself. She had to talk to him, and make him understand once and for all he belonged with her. It might even be time to drop a few hints about the criminal background of Mrs. Sylvia Hardwick.
The doorbell rang shortly after noon, and within minutes the sound of children and adults wishing each other a ‘Merry Christmas’ filled the air. Despite her father glowering at her, she refused to play hostess to Angel and Sylvia. She begrudgingly showed them into the grand parlor, and waved in the general direction of a table set with Christmas drinks. Papa invited Nate into his library for a whiskey before dinner.
* * *
Angel sat on the dark green damask settee, enjoying a cup of mulled wine. Green and white striped wallpaper covered the walls of the beautiful room. A large, gold framed mirror hung over the blazing fireplace, the flames reflected in the glass chandelier in the center of the ceiling. Several patterned carpets rested on a beautifully finished hardwood floor.
“Lucy, did you do the decorating in here? It’s truly lovely.” Angel smiled at the girl.
“No.”
Sylvia and Angel exchanged glances.
“Who did it, dear?” Sylvia asked sweetly.
“A decorator. Would you excuse me, I need to see about dinner.” Lucy rose from her seat, left the room, then hurried up the stairs.
Angel looked at Sylvia over the top of her glass. “I had no idea Eli kept the kitchen on the second floor.”
Sylvia smiled wryly.
The remnants of the party from the night before had been cleared away. The immense Christmas tree in the parlor had been decorated with candles, bows, fruits and nuts. Angel had to keep hopping up to grab things out of Julia-Rose’s hand that were likely to choke her. Finally, she pulled the baby on her lap, and entertained her with songs and stories.
Lucy returned, then took her seat by the doorway, arms crossed.
“Lucy, Eli tells me you took a trip to Europe this year,” Sylvia said, trying once more to draw the girl out.
“Yes, it was a wonderful trip. I bought lots and lots of expensive dresses.” She narrowed her eyes at Sylvia. “But I guess that’s the reason you want to marry Papa. Everyone knows he’s richer than a king.”
Smiling through gritted teeth, Sylvia turned her attention to Angel, remarking on the beauty of the Christmas tree. Since Sylvia hadn’t responded to Lucy’s challenge, the young woman slumped in her chair and continued to sulk.
Within minutes a small bell rang, and Lucy leapt from her seat. “Dinner is ready.” She walked off and left her guests, who followed behind her, glancing at each other at the display of unsteadiness in Lucy’s walk.
After they were all settled at the table, Eli turned to Nate. “Will you offer the blessing?”
Lucy snorted, but bowed her head anyway as Nate said a short prayer. Soon, dishes were passed from hand to hand, and silverware clanked as they all enjoyed the ham, turkey, boiled potatoes, greens, biscuits, and fruit.
Angel smiled with pleasure as she watched her boys. She had been working on their table manners for some time now, and apparently her lessons had paid off. They all conducted themselves like little gentlemen. She glanced over at Nate, and they both smiled, knowing what the other thought. Even Julia-Rose used her spoon with her fingers, much to Angel’s delight.
After dinner, Lucy disappeared as the others retired to the parlor where Nate and Eli played a game of chess, with Matt looking on. Sylvia and Angel kept the rest of the children occupied with stories and games. If Eli noticed his daughter’s absence, he didn’t comment on it.
Shortly after dark, Nate stood and stretched. “Eli, I enjoyed that game. But it’s time to get my family home. We were up pretty early this morning.”
The adults struggled to their feet, full and content from the wonderful meal, which concluded with the elegant desserts that in Lucy’s absence, Sylvia had served in the parlor. The boys appeared to have spent their energy, and Julia-Rose’s eyes grew heavy. It had been a long day.
Eli walked them to the door, calling for the doorman to deliver their coats.
“I’ll be bringing Sylvia home in a little bit.” Eli placed his arm around her shoulders possessively.
They stood in the doorway with their coats on, as Lucy came slowly down the stairs. She weaved her way through the crowd, smiling smugly, and seemed to lurch on her way to reach Nate.
Glancing up, Angel noticed a sprig of mistletoe hanging over Nate’s head, and knew trouble was about to start.
Lucy pointed. “Mistletoe,” she chanted, and proceeded to pull his head down and give him a lengthy kiss.
“Lucy!” Eli grabbed her arm and pulled her away.
“What?” She turned and stumbled against him. “It’s only mistletoe. I saw you kiss her under it before.” She jerked her chin in Sylvia’s direction.
“That’s enough.” Eli moved closer and peered into his daughter’s eyes. “Have you been drinking, young lady?”
“No.” She raised two fingers, about a half-inch apart. “Well, maybe a little. It is
a holiday, you know.” She slurred her words and swayed in his direction. “I’ve had enough of this party.” As she turned to walk away, her body crumbled. Nate caught her right before she hit the floor.
Sylvia glanced at Angel, and mouthed, “Oh, dear.”
18
It was winter in Oregon City, and the night before, a rare snowstorm had battered the city, blowing white powder in swirls, wrapping bare tree branches in crystals, and turning the world into a frosty, hushed playground.
Luke and John were the first of the boys awake to witness the wonderland. Nate watched with one eye closed as they ran into his bedroom and excitedly rubbed nightshirt-clad arms across the window, then shrieked in delight. Matt and Mark woke up, and hearing her brothers’ screams, Julia-Rose started to wail.
“Snow, Papa, snow,” Luke yelled, jumping on the end of his parents’ bed.
Angel pulled the pillow over her head. Nate regarded her. “Coward.”
Despite being Saturday, Nate left his shop closed in honor of the snowfall, and after chores were done, he joined the boys in the front yard to build a snowman. Angel dressed Julia-Rose in warm clothes, and taught her how to make angels in the snow. When the baby got too cold, Angel changed her clothes and sat with her on the front porch, drinking cups of hot cocoa and watching the boys and Nate having a snowball fight.
Shortly before supper, a familiar figure on horseback ambled toward the house. Smiling broadly at the antics between Nate and the boys, Sheriff Travis and his horse plodded along, kicking up clumps of snow-covered mud. He stopped in front of the gate, and tipped his hat to Angel.
“Afternoon, Mrs. Hale, Nate.” A puff of steam shot from his mouth as he swung his rotund body off the horse and opened the gate.
“What can I do for you, Sheriff?” Nate dusted powdery snow off his gloves.
Oregon Trail Boxed Set Page 43
