Woodland Christmas

by Murray, Tamela Hancock

  “The ones Gabriella gave you for putting up the tree?”

  “Are there any others?”

  “You know I’m terrible at baking. And anyway, I ate the last one. I thought you saved it for me. Sorry.”

  So much for a dessert to redeem the dreadful meal. He held back a groan.

  “So we can stay here until after the New Year?” She cocked her head in anticipation of a favorable response.

  Cookie deprivation had soured his mood. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can wait.”

  She pouted. “Can’t I stay home, then?”

  He wished she could. “No, I don’t think a lady should be alone.”

  “I could stay with Alma.”

  “No, we will not impose on her family. Besides, we won’t be gone long.”

  “I’ll be so bored.” She stirred her potatoes with her fork. “I’m sorry, but that’s the way it has to be.” He was sorry.

  Sorry he felt compelled to take his sister with him. She would indeed be bored, and be a handful. He vowed to make the trip as short as he could.

  Gabriella heard her father yelp. She ran to him and found him gasping for air, red-faced. She struck him on the back, trying not to show her panic. “Father, are you all right?”

  He shook his head before collapsing onto the pillow. Ragged breaths escaped his lips, convulsing his whole body.

  Seeing him struggle panicked Gabriella. “What shall I do?”

  “Fetch … Dr…. Snow.”

  Dr. Snow stopped by often to check on Father, but not because Father asked. Gabriella had made certain the doctor’s visits were regular. For Father to make the request, this couldn’t be good. “Yes. Of course.”

  Having no choice but to disregard Father’s past admonition that ladies should not wander the streets of Houston alone, she grabbed her lightweight morning coat from the front hall closet, slid into it, and rushed several blocks through chilly, sunny weather to the doctor’s white clapboard house. Winded with exertion by the time she reached the front porch, she pulled the heavy brass door knocker to summon him.

  “Please, Lord, I beg Thee to let him be home.”

  No sooner did the prayer leave her lips than the doctor, a familiar figure with white hair and a mustache to match, answered.

  She eyed the black medical bag he held and noticed he wore his hat. “Oh. I caught you at an inopportune time. An emergency?” That would mean her father would have to wait.

  “Judging from your red cheeks, you hurried to see me. You must be the one with an emergency. Your father?”

  She nodded. “He’s had another spell. This one’s worse than the last. He asked me to fetch you.”

  “That’s not like him at all.” He looked up the street, in the opposite direction of the Noell house. “Mrs. Smith just went into labor. She can wait a spell. Come on, let’s go.” He shut the front door behind him. The motion made the door knocker clank.

  “Thank you.” Relieved though she was, she couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty about delaying the doctor’s arrival to Mrs. Smith’s bedside. She said a silent prayer for the expectant mother.

  Once they were at the house, Gabriella didn’t have to direct the doctor to the sickroom. He’d been a visitor too many times.

  Anxious, Gabriella stood in the parlor by the tree. She clasped her hands, shut her eyes, and prayed for a miracle. “Heavenly Father, I beg Thee to heal him.”

  After a few moments alone with her father, the doctor returned to her, shaking his head. “This spell seems to be worse than the last.”

  Her stomach clenched. She knew he spoke the truth, but she had hoped for better news.

  “Gabriella, I think you’d better sit here on the sofa.”

  Her stomach clenched another degree as she obeyed.

  “What is it?”

  The doctor joined her on the sofa. “I have seen many men at the end of their life’s journey. Your father is strong, and he has a will of iron, but even with those factors in his favor, it’s not looking good for him. I think you have no choice but to prepare yourself for your father to depart this life.”

  Gabriella’s throat closed. She never deluded herself into thinking Father would regain full vigor, but hearing the doctor utter such a grim prognosis left her chilled. “Are you sure?”

  “I believe in the power of Providence, and Providence may speak by granting your father many more years here on this earth. But barring the intervention of Providence, I am quite certain your father’s time is short.”

  Gabriella was too stunned to cry the tears she wanted to shed. Sniffling, she reached for her cotton handkerchief hidden in her skirt pocket.

  “I’m sorry to deliver such news.” He cleared his throat. “Has he gotten his affairs in order?”

  At least the practical question gave her a concrete matter to divert her attention. “Yes. Our lawyer assures me all is well. Only, I have to do something. I—I have to leave for Dallas.” As though she could depart that moment, she rose and started toward her room. She stopped herself and swirled back toward the doctor. “Oh—but it’s too late now.” Her wail made her sound like a babe, but she couldn’t help herself.

  “Too late for what?”

  “For me to find Grandfather. I must go to Dallas right away. Father wants to reconcile with him after all this time.”

  A look of understanding lit the doctor’s eyes. “Not an uncommon deathbed wish. That’s a time when we reassess and visit our regrets.”

  “I must find a way to go to Dallas, but I know Father won’t let me make the trip unescorted, no matter how dire the situation.”

  The doctor grasped his chin, his forehead wrinkled in thought. “Providence may be on your side in this matter. Just the other day R. C. Sparks told me he’s heading out that way to investigate some business venture of his.”

  She twisted her lips. “R.C. and his ventures. Some say he’s always chasing rainbows, but from what I hear, he’s quite the businessman.”

  At that moment, the front door opened with a creak. Pamela Evitts, their next-door neighbor, had felt welcome to enter without knocking for as long as Gabriella could remember. “Who’s this that’s always chasing rainbows?”

  Miss Pamela’s manners left Gabriella conflicted. On the one hand, the older woman did care about Gabriella and her father, and her advanced age demanded that they respect her. On the other hand, Miss Pamela didn’t mind taking advantage of her considerable years to speak her unedited mind and not conceal her busybody tendencies. Gabriella decided not to respond.

  “Howdy, Miss Pamela.” Dr. Snow stood in acknowledgment of the entrance of a lady into the room. “How is your rheumatism today?”

  The older woman rubbed the small of her back as though she just remembered her condition. “That liniment you gave me helps some, but it doesn’t stop it entirely. I’ll manage as best as I can. At least it’s not raining today.” She looked straight into the doctor’s eyes. “So who’s chasing rainbows? It sure can’t be Henry.” She nodded in the direction of Father’s room.

  “R. C. Sparks, that’s the one,” Dr. Snow said.

  Gabriella held back a grimace.

  Miss Pamela cackled. “Oh, that one’s a sourpuss. Too sour for a man as rich as he is. And he’s going to get richer, too, what with going off to buy up more land.”

  “So that’s his plan.” Dr. Snow rubbed his chin once more.

  “Real estate speculation, yes sirree. Takes money to make money.” She clucked her tongue. “That inheritance he got can’t last forever, I don’t imagine. Surely he’s trying to shore up whatever’s left.”

  Dr. Snow lifted his index finger. “No amount of money can last forever once one starts on a spending spree, but I understand R.C.’s got plenty of land and railroad interests to keep him afloat.”

  Miss Pamela nodded once. “Yes, he’s been successful ever since he came out here from Missouri River country.”

  Irritated by the exchange, Gabriella couldn’t resist intervening. “Perh
aps, but I don’t understand what any of R.C.’s ambitions have to do with me.”

  Dr. Snow’s bushy eyebrows rose, reminding Gabriella of doves in flight. “I merely have the notion that you can accompany him on his trip.”

  She gasped. “Doctor, I could never do that, even for a mission of mercy.”

  Miss Pamela cocked an eyebrow. “What’s all this?”

  Dr. Snow was all too eager to bring Miss Pamela up-to-date.

  “You—you mean you know where your grandfather is?” Miss Pamela wore shock on her pale face. “Why didn’t you do something about it?”

  “Father wasn’t ready. He revealed his desire to me only two hours ago, as his mortality finally trumped his pride.”

  “Oh my.” Miss Pamela’s expression changed to that of a person reminiscing.

  “Are you quite all right?”

  Miss Pamela ignored the question. “Why, I remember Gabe well. He was such a handsome man.” When she spoke, years rolled off her face, and Gabriella could visualize her as a comely woman, decades younger. “He used to walk me to church, you know.”

  “I remember that,” Dr. Snow said. “For a while people thought the two of you were courting.”

  Miss Pamela blushed. “My, my, I wouldn’t presume to call it such a thing. But we did have many a pleasant conversation. I missed him when he left. And I think of him from time to time now. Imagine, seeing him again.”

  “If …” Gabriella couldn’t bring herself to complete her sentence.

  “If what?”

  “We don’t know he’s still alive, or if we can find him. My aunt didn’t seem to think he was in very good health.”

  “Oh. Well, I’m certain he is. I can feel it in my bones. You do need to take Dr. Snow’s advice to fetch him and bring him back here.”

  Gabriella suppressed a groan. She knew as soon as Dr. Snow presented his side of the story, Miss Pamela would agree. She reached for the most logical argument. “I told Dr. Snow before you dropped by that I can’t make such a trip unescorted, but going with a man would be even worse for my reputation.”

  Dr. Snow’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “But my dear girl, you won’t be without a chaperone. I am shocked that you’d think I’d suggest such a thing. The two of you wouldn’t be alone. He’s taking Miss Fern.”

  “Fern?” She suppressed a giggle. Known for her contrary nature and impatience for inconvenience, Fern wouldn’t enjoy traveling across the state. “I don’t imagine they would be happy companions.”

  “All the more reason for you to join them. You would be a great source of company and comfort for Fern.” Miss Pamela looked to Dr. Snow. “Don’t you agree?”

  “Yes, I think you should go and keep Miss Fern company.” He winked. “And I’ll wager R.C. might like to have a pretty face come along, too.”

  Gabriella felt heat rise to her cheeks in spite of herself. True, R.C. had done nothing but shown kindness to her, especially since Father became ill. But the doctor exaggerated his interest, surely. “Oh, he’s been kind to me in the name of Christian charity. That’s all. Please don’t read too much into it.” Her gaze flew to the Christmas tree R.C. had chopped for her. Catching herself, she returned her gaze to the good doctor.

  He responded with an argument. “Nevertheless, I think it’s the only way you’ll find your grandfather, at least in time to bring him back here for reconciliation.”

  “But what about Father? I can’t abandon him now.” Her gaze fell upon the door to the sickroom. This time, she let it linger.

  “You have a cook and laundress, and my wife can come in twice a day to tend to him.”

  Gabriella calculated the hours of the day. “Yes, I think someone would be with him almost all the time with a schedule like that. Maybe I can leave, after all.”

  Chapter 3

  R.C. knocked on the burnished front door of the pristine white Noell house. Though he was always welcome and was arriving at his usual afternoon time, he didn’t want to be intrusive.

  When Gabriella opened the door, her smile looked brighter than usual. Then again, any time the blond beauty graced him with her presence, the room brightened.

  “Your father must be feeling better today.” He tipped his hat.

  Her eyes widened. “Oh?” She stepped aside and allowed him to enter.

  “You look so cheerful.”

  “Oh.” Her averted eyes, followed by her blush, made him wonder if she was glad to see him. “I—I wish I could say he’s better. In fact, he’s worse.”

  He watched her close the door. “I’m sorry to hear that. I won’t linger, then, unless there’s something you need.”

  “I don’t have any immediate needs, but I’d be happy for you to share a cup of coffee with me. Offering a little bit of liquid warmth in this December weather is the least I can do to show my gratitude for how well you look after us.”

  “I don’t mind.” He followed her into the kitchen. Watching her pour coffee from a pot waiting on the stove, R.C. thought back over the past three months, when he first started taking an interest in the Noells. Henry Noell’s reputation as a hard man left him with few friends. Little was known about his daughter, Gabriella. He was aware she’d been named after the father who abandoned Henry and that Henry protected her like a precious jewel. Rarely did he grant her permission to leave the house except to attend church. R.C. and Fern had lived not far from them since they moved from Missouri. In those few months, he’d had no reason to think much about them until he’d become their guardian of sorts.

  Gabriella sat in the chair next to his at the table in the nook. “A penny for your thoughts.”

  “Oh, I was just thinking about how much I like coming by here. Hope I’m not too much of a bother.”

  “Of course not. Although what I’m about to ask might cause you to think I’m a bother to you.” As if to distract herself, she poured milk into her coffee and stirred.

  He couldn’t imagine how someone so beautiful could ever be a bother to anyone, much less himself. “So what is your request?”

  She took in a breath. “I would like to accompany you and Fern on your trip to Dallas. Dr. Snow told me you plan to leave soon.”

  What possessed her? Had she suddenly decided she wanted adventure? He thought about the sick man resting just steps away from them. “I must confess my surprise. Surely this is not the time to take a trip, though no doubt you feel the need for adventure.”

  “I’m not going for pleasure. I will be on a mission. I promised Father I would try to find Grandfather so they can reconcile before Father passes.”

  Reconciliation. R.C. could understand why Gabriella thought the matter urgent. The War Between the States had torn asunder R.C.’s family. His father and uncle had once been close, but when Father fought for the Confederacy and Uncle Norton chose to wear the Union’s blue uniform, the two men never reconciled. Both perished in battle, and never would they have a chance to mend their relationship this side of heaven.

  Gabriella’s voice brought him to the present. “I have reason to believe Grandfather is in the Dallas area. I must find him. Please, R.C., you have to take me with you.”

  Asking for help no doubt chagrined her. The look of an innocent begging for mercy did have its appeal, but to take her on such a journey would be burdensome. “Because I have two meetings planned along the way, I will be traveling by personal conveyance, so the trip promises to be tiring. Taking my sister along is trouble enough without adding another female.” He grimaced. “I won’t be around much to see to you ladies, and certainly not around often enough to provide you with entertainment. As you know, I’ll be tending to business much of the time.”

  “All the more reason for me to go. I can offer excellent company and conversation for your sister. I know we haven’t always been on the most intimate terms, but we get along well enough. In fact, I’d enjoy the chance to get to know her better.”

  “Is that so?” He couldn’t imagine what his spoiled sister and this self-sacri
ficing young woman would have in common.

  She put on a winning smile. “And besides, I’d love to learn more about business. I find it fascinating.”

  He noticed her fine housedress. “Do you, now? Most women of my acquaintance care only about the results of sound business practices. That is, having enough money to buy a dress and bottle of rose water.”

  Her face darkened. “Considering my father’s recent illness, dresses and rose water have been the least of my worries.”

  “I’m sorry. I reckon you’ve had a rough time.”

  “No, I shouldn’t have been so sour. At least I still have my father. And hopefully now, a grandfather, too.” Not willing to listen to any more protests, she hurried to change the topic. “I was named after him.”

  “I heard that. His name is Gabe, right?”

  “That’s right. Gabriel Noell. But he goes by Gabe.” The corners of her mouth turned downward. “I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t find him.”

  “It’s that important, is it?”

  “Very. It’s Father’s dying wish. And I’m afraid I don’t have long. I just need to visit every boardinghouse in Dallas until I find him. I hope.”

  The task sounded daunting. “And your father has agreed you should make this journey?”

  “Yes. I don’t think he would under normal circumstances, but he—he realizes his condition is dire.”

  Pity pulled at R.C. What must it feel like to know you’re at death’s door and there’s not a thing you can do about it? How could he turn down a dying man’s request? “Well, I suppose I can do that much. I’m afraid you’ll be mighty bored, though. And I don’t promise we’ll be staying in the best accommodations. The journey promises to be difficult and dusty.”

  “Fern will be miserable along with me, I suppose. We can take comfort in one another. Oh, and as for accommodations, I will pay more than my fair share of expenses.”

  R.C. wished he were in a position to decline her offer, but with his coffers dwindling, he couldn’t afford to take on an extra mouth to feed without financial consideration. “Very well.”