Daniel sat at his easel, motioned her near, and grinned. “You have already tucked me in. Didn’t give me a goodnight kiss, though, so I couldn’t sleep.”
“Oh, Daniel, this is not funny. She thinks she treated me like her daughter but all she did was complain. In twelve years, not one time did she give me a compliment. I have no idea what to say to her.”
“Don’t worry. I heard you talking to my folks. I’d been painting and was coming to meet her when you told her I was in my room. Things will work out for both of you.”
“What are you painting now?” She reached to lift the cloth covering.
He grabbed her wrist and shook his head. “I never show a painting until it’s finished so you’ll have to wait to find out.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “I suppose all artists are temperamental.”
He grinned. “I only know about myself. Wouldn’t say temperamental, merely protective of my work.”
She held her finger and thumb to display an inch. “Just a tiny peek?”
He chuckled. “I don’t think curiosity is a cat, I think it’s a woman.”
“Can you blame me? I know you paint wonderfully well. Naturally, I want to see your next creation.”
“Just be pleased I feel like painting again. I hadn’t painted for a couple of months before you came.”
“But why, when you do such great work and the money goes to the church?”
He took her hand. “Reckon I was too depressed. Every day seemed like the one before. I couldn’t face my life. Now you’ve given me hope.” He kissed her fingers.
“Daniel, I can’t guarantee anything. I believe you will walk, but I can’t promise that result.”
“I’ve made improvement since you’ve been here. That’s what keeps me going. That, and having you near.”
She sighed at his sweet remark. “You are such a good man. I want so badly for you to be healed.”
“Why don’t you really tuck me in for the night? I’m tired after the workout you forced on me today.”
She pushed his chair to the bed. “Now you get out of the chair onto the bed.”
“You take your power over me seriously, don’t you?” He went through the steps and moved onto the bed.
Once he was in place for the night he lay back. “Have you ever seen a monkey or baboon? I feel like one when I move using my hands.”
“In the Amsterdam zoo I have seen them. Such a handsome baboon you are, too.” She kissed his forehead.
“For that, lovely Clara, you have to kiss me goodnight. Not a peck but a proper kiss.”
She shook her head. “There is no such thing as a proper kiss between us.”
“All right then, a passionate kiss.” He pulled her forward until she was in his embrace.
His kiss melted her resistance in an instant. He lifted her so she was above him. When she thought her sanity had forsaken her, she became simultaneously aware of his erection pressing against her and his hand tugging up the hem of her skirt.
She pushed his hand away and hissed, “Are you mad? My crazy aunt is next door and likely to come to your door.”
He flashed a determined gaze. “You think I’d care?”
She gave him arm a light slap. “You’d better. I’d care and so would your parents and, believe me, so would my aunt.” She pulled away from him and stood. “You should sleep now.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Not a chance, thanks to you.”
She fled from his room before she could weaken and return to his bed.
***
Daniel pondered this new situation. The presence of Clara’s aunt in the next room was definitely a problem that would mean convincing her to make love was impossible. The only thing to do was encourage Pa to find the aunt a place to live away from the ranch as soon as possible.
If he was honest, he wanted the aunt moved for Clara’s benefit. She was so upset her aunt had arrived. Clara was a level-headed woman and he’d never before seen her frantic. He loved her and didn’t want anything to distress her.
For himself, he desperately wanted to make love to Clara. He was certain he could now if she agreed. He wasn’t soiling himself any longer.
Tomorrow, he would ask her to find his old underwear. What a relief it would be to get rid of this diaper even if he couldn’t walk yet. Each milestone forward encouraged him.
For a while he’d doubted Clara. Now he believed he’d walk and soon. He’d fervently prayed he would. He knew his parents did too.
For their sake, he wanted to walk well enough to end their worry. The damned accident hadn’t been his fault, but he couldn’t help feeling responsible for their two years of constant concern and expense. Josh and Dallas had been faithful in helping him practice walking to the detriment of their ranches. Sure he would do the same for one of them, but that didn’t mean they hadn’t had to neglect their work to help him.
He’d worried so much Pa had finally told him what Clara’s salary was. Not much because she had room and board provided. She apparently thought it was a fair amount. He wondered what she’d earned in The Netherlands.
One important task for him was convincing her to remain with him. He realized others needed her skill but why couldn’t they come here? Together he and she could think of a way to make that happen.
Hell, why couldn’t he sleep? The fault was his, not Clara’s. He’d taken her further than she was willing. Result was, he was stuck thinking about bedding her while she was probably fast asleep.
***
When Clara tiptoed into her room, the lamp still burned and she heard her aunt crying softly. She rushed to the bed and touched Petra’s shaking shoulder.
“Aunt Petra, what is wrong?”
Her aunt startled then faced her and dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief. “I am miserable. I can tell you do not want me here but what else am I to do? I see I was foolish to come without writing you and waiting for your answer.”
Good heavens, she must not let her aunt’s feeling be hurt. Time to soothe her.
Clara gave Petra a hug. “You were right to come. But, I was terribly shocked to see you here when I thought you were still in your home in Amsterdam. It’s true we should be together, Aunt Petra. Austin will help you find a suitable place to live in town so you can walk to shops and church.”
Petra gestured around them. “Why can’t I stay here? This room has plenty of space for two.”
Scrabbling for an answer, Clara mentioned the first thing that came to mind, “But what would you do all day? Kathryn is an herbal healer and midwife and is busy. Emma also is busy. If you are in town, you could visit with other women or shop. I’m sure you’ll make friends right away.”
Petra shook her head. “You know I do not make friends easily. Hans understood me, but others think I am cold and snobbish.”
Clara gasped. “Who said that to you?”
“A few days after you left and the university wives meeting was at my home, I heard three of the wives talking when they thought I was in the kitchen. Or, I even wondered if they meant for me to hear.”
Clara was incensed. “You mean they insulted you in your own home? The nerve.” She undressed and hung her dress in the armoire.
“But you agree because you said I was not warm and loving.”
She paused as she readied for bed. “Oh, Aunt Petra, I certainly do not agree with those women. You explained why you were not more loving to me. I hope you gave those harpies the sharp side of your tongue.” She donned her nightgown.
Petra twisted her handkerchief in her hands. “I pretended I had not heard but I was very hurt. When Hans died, I no longer fit in their group so I stopped associating with them. The women from church were kinder, especially when Hans passed, but I do not think they really enjoyed my company.”
Clara was surprised her aunt realized others didn’t like her. How sad to recognize that fact and be unable to remedy the opinions of others. Desperation must have driven her to Texas and her only relative. Clara’s fe
elings toward her aunt had changed this evening. Now she knew what she had to do.
She patted her aunt’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll make certain you find good friends here. I know just the person to help you. And, I will visit you each week. Now, dry your eyes and go to sleep. I remember that journey and I know you must be exhausted.”
“Ja, but I was too worried to rest.” She grabbed Clara’s hand. “I am glad you do not plan to send me away from here. I-I think I will like this place.”
Clara squeezed her aunt’s hand. “I’m sure you will. In the morning, I must rise early to get Daniel ready for breakfast. You can sleep a half hour later and still have time to join everyone in the kitchen. I’ll be as quiet as I can when I rise. Goodnight, Dear Aunt.” She lowered the lamp’s wick.
Her aunt’s heavy sigh came as a final sob. “Thank you, Clara. Goodnight.”
Guilt thrashed Clara. All this time she had misunderstood her aunt. Otherwise, they might have had a close relationship. What a tragedy for both of them.
***
Two days later, Austin took Petra and Clara to town. Rebecca came with them. Their first stop was at Gran and Grandpa’s.
When they were in the parlor, Clara introduced her aunt. “Gran and Grandpa, may I introduce my aunt, Petra Jaager? She was recently widowed and came to live near me because we are each other’s only kin. She raised me after my parents died when I was ten.” She turned to her aunt. “Aunt Petra, this is Mr. and Mrs. Vincent McClintock, Austin’s parents. They founded the town.”
After they exchanged greetings, they sat down and visited a few minutes before Austin slapped his knee, as if he’d sat through enough chit chat. “Petra needs a small home situated so she can walk to church and to the shops. Papa, I thought you might know of something available for rent.”
Grandpa rubbed his chin for a few moments. “Don’t know of anything right now. Heard the Bartletts want to sell. You might work out something with them.”
He faced Petra. “Nice place and it’s well-kept. They’re leaving the furniture and going to live with their son in San Antonio.”
Austin also faced Petra. “That is a sweet house. Would you like to talk to them?”
Interest softened her face. “Ja, and having furnishings would save money.”
Gran smiled at Petra. “When you’re moved in, perhaps you’d come for tea to meet some of the other women from town.”
Petra’s face shone with hope. “I would like that very much. You are gracious to suggest this when we have just met.”
Gran nodded imperially. “We think a lot of Clara. I’m sure we’ll become friends too.”
Petra glanced at Clara with surprise. “She is a good niece—like a daughter.”
When bid their goodbyes, Clara hung back a moment to hug Gran and give her cheek a kiss. “Thank you for telling my aunt you would invite her for tea. She has been very lonely.”
Gran’s face registered a gentle, surprised expression. “No trouble at all. I’ll see she gets acquainted while you’re helping Daniel.”
She kissed Grandpa’s cheek. “Thank you for your help.”
Grandpa chuckled and touched the spot she had kissed. “Turned out to pay a dividend.”
She joined the others in the buggy and they went to see the Bartlett home.
The house was one block off the main street. A frame home painted gray with white trim, the house had a wide porch which accommodated a bench and chair with plenty of room. The yard was fenced with wrought iron and had a concrete walk from the gate to the porch.
Petra gazed at the home. “This is very pretty. The large trees must help in the summer as well as look nice.”
The Bartletts acted delighted to have prospects.
Petra examined each room thoroughly while Mr. Bartlett gave them a tour. After seeing the parlor, dining room, kitchen with mud room, two bedrooms, and a back yard where there was a garden and cellar, Petra smiled and sighed. “I like this house. Perhaps we can come to an agreement.”
Later, on the way back to the ranch, Austin chuckled. “Petra, I’ve never seen better haggling. Guess I should take you next time I buy or sell cattle.”
Petra shook her head. “Too bad they would not rent to me but he was stubborn. At least he came down on the price of the home. I like the furniture very much and there are no stairs to climb. This is good.”
Rebecca asked, “What will you do if Clara goes away?”
“I will sell and follow her. This is why I hoped to rent.” Petra shrugged. “Oh, well, the house and furnishings were ideal for me. I will enjoy this place and make it my home for as long as Clara is in McClintock Falls.”
Clara hugged her aunt’s shoulders. “I loved the house. The place should be cozy and give you pleasure.”
Petra leaned forward to speak over Austin’s shoulder. “I am from a very old city and was surprised your parents founded this one. When you were small, were there no buildings?”
“Oh, yes. Not many but we had a mercantile, saloon, livery, blacksmith, and feed store. I don’t remember what else but there were several houses. Papa had divided the town into lots and streets. He didn’t charge much for the lots. He gave some away if the person didn’t have much money and was someone he thought would be a good citizen.”
Her aunt nodded as if she approved. “Are you an only child?”
“Had a brother named Houston who died a little over fifteen years ago. His son Dallas was twelve and came to live with us and is like our son. I’m sure you’ll soon meet the entire family.”
“Oh, I would enjoy that.”
Clara chuckled. “They took in their nephew Dallas as you and Uncle Hans did me. Theirs is a large extended family. Daniel wrote them down and how they’re related. I’ll show you the chart he drew when we are in my room.”
***
Daniel massaged his temples, willing the headache to flee. What was taking Clara so long? Damn, he hated being stuck here. He loved his home, but not being able to leave made it his jail.
He hit the mattress with fisted hands. Of course he realized his vanity kept him here. With the Bath chair, he could be loaded into the buggy or wagon like so much freight and go places. Yeah, and have people gawk as if he were a carnival sideshow or pity him. Getting him in and out of the wagon would be a major production. No, thank you, he would walk or stay here.
Had his friends forgotten him? A few had come right after the accident but he had made it clear he didn’t want to be seen in this condition. He’d rather be lonely than pitied.
When he heard Clara return, the morning’s tension fled and he was almost giddy with relief. Stupid to be so attached to and dependent on one person but there was no denying her effect on him. Already he thought of her as his other half, his soul mate.
She breezed into the room with a smile. “You had a bit of a vacation this morning so we’ll have to work harder this afternoon.”
“You missed lunch. Before we work, sit down and tell me what happened on your trip.”
She sat at the foot of his bed and spoke quietly. “Through Grandpa’s suggestion, Aunt Petra bought the Bartlett home. She wanted to rent, but Mr. Bartlett was even more stubborn than my aunt—something I thought could not exist. She did talk him down on the price, though, and the house comes fully furnished. Plus, they served us dinner during negotiations.”
“Nice little place as I remember.” He looked toward the door then back at her. When is she moving?”
“They asked a week to get moved. They’re going to live with their son.” She scooted forward and lowered her voice even more, “Daniel, when I got to my room last night, my aunt was in tears. She had realized I did not want her here and talked about how no one likes her and she has no friends. I was so embarrassed I had been that obvious.”
“Yeah, so what did you do?”
“I assured her my reaction was from surprise at her arrival and that we should be near one another because we were each other’s only family. I have even come to th
ink that’s true.”
He held her hand in his. “Are you sure after the way she treated you?”
“While she was eating, she mentioned that her parents treated her the way she treated me and she thought that is the way all parents acted toward children. Only Hans ever showed her love and I do not think he was demonstrative.”
His lips in a fine line, he considered her revelation. “Doesn’t explain wanting you to go to an orphanage.”
She shook her head. “No, it does not. I’ll ask her tonight. In the meantime, you must work your legs.”
He grinned. “Hey, this is my naptime.” He patted the bed beside him. “Come take a nap with me.”
She pretended shock. “I think not. If you need sleep, Sir, I will leave you to do so.”
“Just for an hour or so. Then I’ll work hard.” What a fool he was, exhausted from the mental anguish of not having her near.
She flashed her saucy grin. “Promise?”
“Promise.” He’d do about anything for her, but how could he convince her she was The One for him?
Chapter Twelve
Clara found her aunt in the parlor with Kathryn and Rebecca.
Kathryn was sitting in the wingchair by the fireplace. “I remember the Bartlett home is lovely.”
“Ja, and no stairs to climb each day. I will get my exercise walking around town and in the garden. Already vegetables grow there.”
Rebecca asked, “Do you know how to drive a rig?”
Her aunt’s brow furrowed. “I do not know what that is. If rig means a buggy, the answer is no. I have always walked or ridden with someone else driving.”
Kathryn’s lovely smile shone. “If you ever need to rent one, the man who brought you here, Fred Brewster, rents them. I can show you how to drive a buggy if you wish.”
Petra’s eyes overflowed with tears. She pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at her eyes. “I am fortunate that your family is so kind. I understand why Clara is so happy here.”
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Rebecca went to answer. She soon returned.
“Mama, Mrs. Zimmerman’s in labor and she needs you.”
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