Page 16 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas (Redemption Mountain #27)
Eliza sorted through the wardrobe in her room, events of yesterday still weighing on her mind. The attempted robbery, the gunshots, the deaths of the outlaws, and the realization she might very well be needed here as a doctor. A possible future was opening up to her in this frontier town.
And then there was Spencer. Kind, hardworking Spencer, who’d somehow become important to her in these past weeks. She couldn’t deny her growing affection for him, though she hardly knew what to make of it yet. This was all so new to her.
Eliza turned from the window with a soft sigh, smoothing her hands over her apron.
She had pies to bake this morning, along with Rachel and some of the other women.
As she made her way downstairs, the rich aroma of apples and cinnamon wafted up to greet her.
The women were already hard at work in the kitchen.
“Good morning,” Rachel greeted as Eliza entered. “I’m so glad you could join us this morning. We can use every extra pair of hands with all the baking to be done.”
Eliza smiled and nodded, rolling up her sleeves. “It smells wonderful already. What can I do to help?”
The women fell into easy conversation as they worked, kneading dough and slicing apples. Rachel mentioned Dax had proposed hiring a full-time cook to help manage the increasing demands of the growing ranch.
“With the new hands we’ll need to take on in the spring, and the men coming and going from the herd drives, it’s getting to be quite a lot running this kitchen,” she said.
Eliza hadn’t realized how much Redemption’s Edge had expanded since Dax and Luke inherited the ranch. She marveled at how the Pelletiers had built up the ranch. It was a true testament to their grit and vision.
The tantalizing aromas of cinnamon and cloves filled the warm kitchen as the women kept busy with their baking. Eliza wiped her floured hands on her apron, glancing out the window.
The hours passed, the sun was climbing higher in the sky. Soon, it would be time to depart for the Christmas gathering.
“Well, ladies, it’s about time we cleaned up the kitchen so we can get ready for the party tonight,” Rachel said.
Eliza chuckled and made her way upstairs to change into her finest dress. She thought the deep green velvet with white lace trim would be perfect for San Francisco. It had traveled all the way from New York in her trunk, after all. How could she have known its debut would be in Splendor, Montana?
She finished buttoning the dress, pinned up her dark hair, and dabbed rosewater perfume onto her wrists before heading back downstairs.
The parlor was abuzz with activity as the gentlemen and their ladies gathered, ready to climb into the wagons for the trip into town. Eliza spotted Spencer looking sharp in a tailored suit, the waves in his hair tamed for the occasion. He broke into a grin when he saw her.
“You look beautiful,” he said, offering his arm. Eliza smiled, her cheeks warm.
“Shall we?” Spencer motioned toward the front door.
Eliza nodded, butterflies taking flight in her stomach as they stepped out into the bracing air. She’d been surprised when Spencer invited her to attend the supper in town to benefit those who needed help this Christmas. She couldn’t wait to take part in the party awaiting them in Splendor.
Though the freezing wind chilled their faces as the wagons rolled toward town, it was still warmer than the previous day. Eliza sent up a thank you for the beautiful winter day.
Eliza marveled at the lobby of the St. James Hotel, festively decorated for the Christmas season.
Garlands of pine boughs lined the balcony railings, red ribbons and bells adorning each post. In the dining room, the tables were set with fine white linens, crystal glasses, and flickering candles, each napkin topped with a sprig of holly.
As the guests mingled, Rachel introduced Eliza around. “This is Doctor Eliza Gladstone, our visiting physician from back east,” she said to Camilla MacLaren, the wife of the local veterinarian, Sean MacLaren.
“A pleasure to meet you,” Camilla said. “Will you be staying on with us in Splendor?”
“I haven’t decided for certain yet,” Eliza replied. “Everyone has been so kind, I’m considering it.”
Eliza next met Abby Brandt, Noah Brandt’s wife. “You must come for lunch after Christmas,” Abby invited. “I would love to learn more about you.”
The chime of a fork on a glass quieted the crowd as the supper service began. Eliza sat next to Spencer and took her first bite of the roast turkey, savoring the delicious herb dressing and gravy.
“My compliments to the chef,” she declared to those at their table after sampling creamy mashed potatoes and roasted autumn vegetables.
For dessert, May Covington had prepared plum pudding served with hard sauce. There were also slim slices of rich pound cake and cranberry tarts. Eliza tasted each one, closing her eyes in delight with every sweet, delectable bite.
The excellent food had put everyone in fine spirits. As the evening wound down, the guests prepared for the annual benefit auction to raise money for those in need. Noah Brandt, the auctioneer, took his place at the front of the room, gavel in hand.
“All right, folks, listen up,” he bellowed. “We’ve got some fine items up for bid tonight. Quilts, canned fruit, framed drawings, leather goods, blankets, boxes of cigars, perfume from New York, jars of preserves, and more. So open your wallets, and don’t be shy.”
The bidding started off at a slow pace, soon growing raucous as people vied for the same items. Eliza chuckled as an older woman nearly came to blows with Stan Petermann over a lovely patchwork quilt.
A couple items later, Silas Jenks, owner of the lumber mill, faced off with Wayne Caulfield, who owned the meat market. It was the item they haggled over, causing raucous laughter. A bottle of perfume from New York. The fact Silas had never married made it so much more intriguing.
“Now, now, let’s keep it civil,” Noah admonished them. “Stan, I see that glare. Don’t make me toss you out into the snow.” The crowd roared with laughter.
Noah kept up a lively banter, cajoling and teasing the bidders, making droll comments about the items up for auction. His antics highly amused Eliza. She bid a few times herself, winning a jar of blackberry preserves.
As the last item sold, people started putting on their coats and hats, the excitement of the evening winding down. Eliza spotted Dax and Rachel gathering their things. Other couples from the ranch were also getting ready to leave.
Spencer helped Eliza into her coat and offered his arm. She took it with a smile and they made their way outside into the crisp, cold night. Their breath frosted in the air as they walked to the wagon.
“Eliza, do you have a moment?”
She glanced over her shoulder to see Clay and Drake standing a few feet away on the boardwalk. “Excuse me, Spencer.”
The three doctors huddled together, talking in low voices. As they spoke, Spencer spotted two men rushing toward them.
Deputies Tucker Nolan and Zeke Boudreaux rushed to where the doctors stood. Both wore grave expressions.
“We have a situation at the clinic,” Zeke said. “Tucker and I found two children huddled behind the general store about an hour ago. Cold clear through. We took them to the clinic, and Tucker fetched Carrie. Griff is with her. She wants one of you to examine them.”
Eliza thought of Carrie MacKenzie, a nurse at the clinic. Dax had mentioned Carrie and her husband, Griffin, hadn’t appeared at the benefit. Now she knew why.
Clay and Drake excused themselves, turning toward the clinic.
“I’d like to come with you,” Eliza called after them.
“I’ll let Dax know,” Spencer told her.
The doctors made their way to the clinic, escorted by Zeke and Tucker. Eliza thought of the children, her mind filled with questions. Were they hurt? Sick? Abandoned?
At the clinic, they found Carrie and Griffin in an exam room with a young boy and girl, both scared and hollow-eyed. Eliza’s heart broke at the sight. She stepped in front of them.
“Hello. My name is Doctor Eliza. Let’s take a look at you and see how we can help.”
With Clay and Drake observing, Eliza examined the children. She learned Tommy was nine and Sherilyn was six. Though frightened and exhausted, neither appeared injured or ill.
“You’ve been through quite an ordeal, it seems. Are you hungry?”
At the mention of food, both children’s eyes lit up. Carrie fetched them some bread and preserves, which they devoured.
As they ate, Spencer arrived, concern etched on his face. “Are they all right?”
Eliza nodded, then relayed what little she knew so far. “We need to find their family.” Everyone agreed. Zeke said he’d speak with Gabe at first light before he and Tucker left.
Moving before Tommy and Sherilyn again, Eliza asked gently, “Can you tell us where your mother and father are?”
Tommy’s lip quivered. “They died,” he whispered. “Our uncle didn’t come get us…” His voice trailed off. He fought to keep his eyes open.
“They need sleep.” Eliza looked at Clay and Drake. “I can stay here with them tonight.”
“I’ll stay with you,” Spencer offered.
“If you’re sure?” Clay asked.
“I am.”
“All right,” Clay said. “I’ll be in early, and Carrie is due to be here at nine.”
Eliza nodded at him, though her heart broke as everyone left for the night. It seemed the children were all alone. She exchanged an anguished look with Spencer.
As if reading her thoughts, Spencer placed a hand on her arm. “We should speak to Martha Santori about taking them in. For now, they need sleep and so do you. There will be time to sort everything out later.”
The children, exhausted from their ordeal, had already slipped into a deep slumber on the same clinic bed. Eliza tucked the blankets around them. Gazing at their peaceful faces, she was reminded of the resilience of the human spirit.