Christmas on the Prairie

by Frances Devine

  “I found it by accident the day after I moved into the cabin.” Ansley reached inside and began pulling out the velvet bags of jewelry and the clock and candelabras. She handed several to Seth and then made three trips from the wall to the table, setting the valuables on the table. “These have been in our family for many years,” she explained. “They’re probably what the thief was after, but I have no idea how he would have known about them.”

  “You brought these in your trunks?” Seth asked. Clearly he believed her foolish to have done such a thing. “You were just asking to be robbed.”

  “Yes, I had the trunks made specifically with false bottoms so I could transport these things to my sister.”

  The sheriff fingered one of the velvet bags on the table. “What other items, Miss Potter?”

  “Well, it wasn’t perhaps the wisest thing I could have done, but I brought several hundred dollars in cash for her. It was part of her inheritance from our aunt. And two very valuable paintings Rose had always loved.”

  The sheriff nodded, but clearly he wasn’t finished with his questions. “Wouldn’t it have been easier to bring a bank draft than to hide that much cash?”

  Ansley shrugged. “I wasn’t even sure a town named Prairie Chicken had a bank. I wanted her to have some of the inheritance right away. Once I spoke to Rose, I planned to find out how she wanted the rest of her share distributed, and to honor her wishes. I hung the paintings in the bedroom. They weren’t disturbed. So either the thief didn’t want to bother with them, or he didn’t know their value.”

  “And the cash? I don’t see it here.”

  “I deposited the money in the bank and paid...well, you know what I paid. When I return to Boston, I intend to set up trusts for each of the children and invest the rest of their mother’s inheritance.”

  Seth’s eyebrows rose. “You intend to give the children Rose’s inheritance?”

  Ansley couldn’t fathom why Seth seemed so surprised by the idea.

  “Of course. What else would I do with it? And so you know, I used part of their inheritance at the bank when I paid their mortgage. So it was truly their money that saved the place, not mine.” Gathering up the velvet bags, Ansley headed back to the hiding place. Seth followed with the clock and candleholders.

  “Don’t you think we should discuss this?”

  Ansley glanced at the sheriff, who shifted from one scuffed boot to the other, clearly uncomfortable now that the conversation had changed from the attempted robbery to a personal topic.

  “Perhaps another time,” she said softly, hoping Seth would take the hint. To her relief he did, turning his attention to the sheriff.

  “So what are you going to do about Mitch Lane?”

  “Now, Seth,” the sheriff said. “We don’t know for sure he’s the one who ransacked the place. Not to mention that thanks to Miss Potter’s wise actions, nothing was actually stolen.”

  Flushed with pleasure at the praise, Ansley smiled. “I’m sure when Mr. Lane returns he will have an explanation as to his whereabouts. After all, I just spoke with him yesterday and he seemed...well, he seemed as though he wanted to come calling on me.”

  Seth’s frank stare annoyed her even before he spoke. “For obvious reasons.”

  “Perhaps a man like Mr. Lane would only be interested in my money, Seth. But it could possibly be that he knows nothing of my wealth and is innocent of your accusations.”

  “Then why did I catch him going through your trunk that day?”

  A shrug lifted Ansley’s shoulders. “I did meet him on the stage. Perhaps he truly was just doing me a kindness by retrieving my trunks and the lock broke the way he said it did.”

  Seth gave a snort.

  Ansley’s ire rose and she spun on her heel to face him. “Or perhaps the incident never occurred at all.”

  His eyes narrowed with an anger Ansley had yet to see. And she had seen plenty from this man standing before her. “Are you saying I’m lying?”

  Ansley knew she’d been wrong to lash out at him because of her own insecurity. Once again, an apology was in order. “Of course not. I spoke out of turn.”

  The sheriff cleared his throat and walked toward the door. “Well, then. I reckon the only thing to do is keep our eyes open for Mr. Lane. If he shows up in town again, I’ll bring him in for questioning. But unless he’s caught with Miss Potter’s jewelry, there’s not much I can do at this time.” He turned to Ansley. “Miss Potter, I suggest you find a better hiding place for your valuables. Clearly, whoever came in here looking for something to steal was focusing on those trunks and drawers and the like. But if he tries again, it wouldn’t be too hard to find a loose board in the wall or floor.”

  “I’m sure you are right, Sheriff. I will find a more secure place.”

  Satisfied, he opened the door and strode outside. She expected Seth to follow him, but instead he stood, looking around the room, his eyes filled with worry. “I don’t know what we pay the law for if he’s not going to protect us.”

  His worry warmed Ansley and she touched his arm. He jerked around as though her hand was a flame, and instantly she stepped back.

  “Well, at least you’ll be at the boardinghouse in case he comes back.”

  “What do you mean? I think under the circumstances, Alice will understand if I do not come back. Besides, the midwife is staying for a couple more days.”

  “Ansley, you can’t stay here alone when someone is clearly out to rob you. If he didn’t find what he was looking for the first time, he’ll be back.”

  “But I won’t be alone. Harry won’t let anyone hurt me.”

  He released a heavy breath. “Listen. The dog is protective. I’ll give him that. And he would try to get between you and anyone bent on harming you, but even a dog the size of that one is no match for a man with a gun.”

  “You mean someone might shoot him?” The very idea filled Ansley with fear. And indignation that someone would dare harm her Harry.

  Seth placed his hands on both her arms and looked her straight in the eye. “I know you’re independent and don’t like being told what to do, so believe me when I say the last thing I want is to get your back up. But you have to be smart. You’re not in the city in a big house with servants now. This is a dark cabin three miles from the closest neighbor. A woman alone who has no experience living this way is just asking for trouble. Especially if that woman has already been the mark of a thief.”

  “But if I run away, won’t that just encourage the thief to return? Or at the very least believe me to be a coward? What about making a stand to show I’m not afraid?”

  His lips twitched. “You’re not afraid?”

  “Well, of course I am, but I’m not a coward.”

  “The thief obviously knew you wouldn’t be home last night and came in while you were away, so I don’t believe he wants to harm you. But that doesn’t mean he won’t if he comes back and finds you here.”

  A shudder made its way up Ansley’s spine at the thought. And she knew full well he was still speaking of Mitch. And now that he mentioned it... “Mitch knew I was staying at the boardinghouse last night.” Her voice held no inflection as she surrendered to the possibility that perhaps Seth was right. “I suppose he was just another man like those who came courting after Aunt Maude died.”

  “Ansley...”

  She broke from his hands and shook her head. “Do not trouble yourself with my feelings about that. I have long come to terms with the fact that I am to remain unmarried. I am twenty-nine years old and I spent my youth caring for my aunt. I truly felt that was the course God expected me to stay. I just lost sight of who I truly was for a while. Of course Mitch Lane wouldn’t want to court me when there are dozens of young women vying for his attention.”

  “I hope you know I didn’t mean to imply a man couldn’
t care for you. I only meant I knew what he was truly after.”

  “Well, it doesn’t matter anymore. You have shown me his true intentions and I am grateful he didn’t find what he was after.” She averted her gaze so he wouldn’t see her lips beginning to tremble. “If you’ll excuse me, I must pack some clothes if I am to stay at the boardinghouse. And we must wrap up those things. I believe Mrs. Boatwright would agree to give me some space in her safe.”

  Chapter 15

  The Christmas Eve dance in Prairie Chicken was all anyone had talked about for the past week, and frankly Seth was tired of hearing about it. Thankfully, it was going to happen that evening. Since the boardinghouse was the only place large enough to hold the dance, Mrs. Boatwright had closed the restaurant, and the dining room was being transformed into a dance floor.

  She’d been giving him orders for the past three hours and it didn’t appear the end was in sight. He had moved all the tables and chairs from the dining room into the library, parlor and kitchen—anywhere he could find space out of the way.

  Now it was time to set up a refreshment counter, which he’d hauled from the barn, and a platform for the musicians.

  Ansley had been in and out dusting, sweeping and doing general cleaning and polishing for the event. Since no one had seen or heard from Mitch in two weeks, Ansley decided that she would move back to the cabin for the remainder of her time in Prairie Chicken. Seth wasn’t comfortable with the idea, but she wouldn’t hear any arguments.

  “Oh, good.” Seth turned at the sound of Ansley’s voice. She wore a practical gown of blue that he recognized as one of Teddy’s. She had covered it with an apron. “You have everything set up. The decorating committee should be here in no time.”

  “Are the children excited about the dance?” Ansley asked, pushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead. It was the first time Seth had seen her in anything but fancy city clothes. He had certainly never seen her with her hair not neatly pinned. She’d never looked prettier as far as he was concerned. He grinned at her. “They’re excited to wear their new dresses. They can’t wait to make Sarah Wayne jealous.”

  The sound of Ansley’s laughter echoed through the nearly empty room. “I suppose I should have held out and made them wait till Christmas morning as I planned, but every girl needs a new dress for a party. And it’s only one day early.”

  “Did you get yourself a new dress, as well?”

  “No, I hadn’t planned to attend.”

  Her response surprised Seth. He tilted his head and frowned. “Now, why wouldn’t a pretty single woman want to attend a dance?”

  “Oh, Seth. Who would I dance with?” She looked away, almost as if embarrassed. “Besides,” she hurried on, “Teddy is coming to town with the wagon to take me back to the cabin today so we can decorate the tree and get the house ready for tomorrow.” The children had asked if they could all spend Christmas at the cabin and none of the three adults had the heart to refuse.

  “If you get back in time for the dance, I’ll dance with you.” He figured it couldn’t hurt to offer, even though he wasn’t much of a dancer. Besides he didn’t get the chance at the Harvest dance. After Luke Carson stole his dance with her, Ansley had been whisked away by one man after another.

  “That’s kind of you, but you needn’t feel obligated to dance with the spinster sister-in-law of your late brother. I think I’ll just go up to my room when I get back. I’m not in the mood to dance.”

  Seth wanted to kick himself. Clearly, she’d taken his offer as him patronizing her. How could he tell her the only reason he’d been looking forward to the dance, which he normally dreaded attending, was the thought of dancing with her? After all of their disagreements over the past several weeks, he knew there was no way she’d believe him. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t try. Otherwise, she’d assume she was right.

  “I don’t feel obligated. As a matter of fact, according to Sarah Wayne, her aunt Isabelle has decided to set her cap for me. You would be doing me a favor by allowing me to escort you to the dance.”

  “Seth...”

  “No, I mean it. Just ask Hannah. Sarah Wayne confided that shocking bit of information to her just yesterday at school. Apparently, tonight is the night she plans to trap me with her considerable female charms.” He stepped closer to her and took in her blue-green gaze. “Besides, the truth is, I have been looking forward to dancing with you.”

  Her face flushed as soon as he got the words out, and she smiled even as she shook her head. “As much as I would love to rescue you tonight, you’ve managed to remain a bachelor for—how old are you?”

  “Thirty-five.”

  “You’ve managed to remain a bachelor for thirty-five years. I am confident you are skilled at skirting feminine wiles.”

  Reaching forward, Seth fingered the swath of hair that had fallen once more over her forehead. She’d never looked lovelier and suddenly he was at a loss for words. “Perhaps I’ve been waiting for the right female.”

  “Ah, does Isabelle Wayne have reason to hope after all?”

  Seth couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m afraid not.”

  Movement caught his attention from the corner of his eye and he glanced up to find Teddy and Jonah in the doorway.

  “Hi, you two,” Teddy said, sashaying into the room as she tended to do. Irritation and disappointment hit Seth. If he’d had a couple more minutes, he might have convinced Ansley to come to the dance. Teddy stopped short as Ansley took a quick step back from Seth and turned.

  “Oh,” Teddy said. “Did I interrupt?”

  “Of course not,” Ansley said. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes and it’s snowing again, so we’d best get a move on, especially if we’re going to get back in time for the dance.”

  Seth took the opportunity presented to him. “Maybe you can talk Ansley into coming to the dance. She says she’s not interested.”

  Teddy grinned from Seth to Ansley. “I’ll do my best.”

  Jonah and Seth watched the women leave, then Seth clapped the boy on the shoulder. “Let’s finish this so we can go home and clean up for this shindig.”

  “I guess Aunt Ansley is going to Boston in a week.”

  Seth’s gut dropped. “I guess so.”

  Jonah sighed. “You think if I’d been nicer to her when she first came she might’ve stayed?”

  “No. She never planned to stay. But I know she’s going to miss you children.” His words didn’t seem to do anything to lift Jonah’s spirits. “But we still have a week or so and it’ll be nice to have Christmas at the cabin, won’t it?”

  “Yeah. Only I wish Aunt Ansley would just stay.” His eyes went wide. “Couldn’t she just live in the cabin? Maybe if you asked her she would stay.”

  “It’s not safe for her to stay there alone. At least not until we catch whoever was trying to steal from her.”

  Jonah shrugged. “I could stay there, too. I could protect her.”

  “If your aunt stayed in Prairie Chicken, you would want to live with her? Why, Jonah?” Seth couldn’t help but feel betrayed.

  He nodded. “Aunt Ansley said one time she feels close to Mama when she is at the cabin.”

  “I remember.”

  Jonah turned his eyes to Seth. “That’s how I feel when I’m there.”

  * * *

  Ansley and Teddy walked into the cabin. The ride over in the sleigh had been cold, but Ansley’s heart felt light and warm, as she looked forward to spending Christmas at the cabin with her family. She was determined not to allow herself to think about the fast-approaching day of her departure.

  Harry plopped down in front of the cold fireplace, clearly glad to be home. Teddy laughed as she shoved him aside and started to build a fire. “He’s found his spot in the family, hasn’t he?” Teddy turned to her and
frowned. “What will you do with him when you go home to Boston? Take him or leave him with us?”

  “I’d like to take him, but I don’t like the idea of caging him on the train for so many days. It seems cruel.”

  In the corner, the tree sat bare, waiting to be decorated. Ansley knew Seth and Teddy and the children had decorated a tree for their house, but they had agreed to surprise the children when they arrived at the cabin the next morning.

  While Teddy built the fire, Ansley lit the stove and started coffee. While she was alone in the kitchen, she mulled over her confusing conversation with Seth earlier. Her stomach jumped and twirled as she recalled the way he had reached out and brushed her hair away from her forehead. He had looked at her so differently than he ever had before. The way no man—not even one pretending to court her—had ever looked at her. And then he’d invited her to the dance.

  “There we go,” Teddy said. “It’ll be warm in here in no time.”

  The two women decorated the tree until the coffee started to boil. Then they took a break and sat down at the table, each with a steaming cup of coffee. Teddy spooned sugar into her cup. “The children are so excited we’re all going to spend Christmas together at the cabin. But I know they are feeling their loss a great deal.”

  Ansley nodded. She, too, felt the loss. Before she had arrived in Prairie Chicken, one of her favorite things to imagine was Christmas with Rose. It had been so many years since they’d spent the holiday together, and it had always been Rose’s favorite.

  “I’ve been thinking.” Teddy’s voice drew Ansley from her maudlin thoughts.

  “About what?” She sipped at the hot liquid.

  “Why can’t you stay?”

  “In Prairie Chicken?”

  Teddy nodded.

  Ansley set her cup back on the table with a sigh. “There are reasons. Responsibilities I have taken over for Aunt Maude. She was very involved socially, especially with charities. I have always known I would be expected to carry on her work once she was gone.”