Page 17 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas (Redemption Mountain #27)

Eliza awoke to a gentle shaking of her shoulder. Blinking away the last remnants of sleep, she saw Spencer leaning over her, his hair tousled from slumber.

“Rise and shine,” he said, his voice a soft rumble. “We’ve got a full day ahead.”

Eliza sat up on a stifled yawn and stood. From the other room came the murmur of young voices.

“The children are awake,” he said.

“And hungry, from the sounds of it.”

“I’ll fetch them some breakfast from the boardinghouse while you tend to them.”

Eliza smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Spencer.” Still adjusting to frontier life, she appreciated his thoughtful assistance. She pinned up her dark hair and went to greet the children.

Tommy and Sherilyn were sitting up on the examination bed, faces alight with anticipation. At nine and six, brother and sister still had an air of innocence despite their recent tragedy. Eliza’s heart ached for their circumstances.

“Good morning.” She smiled. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Tommy replied.

“I’m hungry,” Sherilyn said, placing a hand on her stomach. “Can we have breakfast now?”

Eliza smoothed the girl’s tousled hair. “Mr. Haglund is getting your breakfast now. He’ll be back soon.”

Sherilyn’s lip quivered. “But I want pancakes. Mama always made us pancakes.”

At the mention of their late mother, Eliza paused, unsure how to broach the delicate subject. She leaned against the edge of the bed.

“I know you miss your parents,” she said gently. “What is your last name?”

“Weber,” Tommy answered. “We were supposed to meet Uncle Web,” Tommy said, glancing around the room for what must be the hundredth time as his sister sniffled.

Eliza assumed Web was a shortened version of Weber. Her heart constricted. She settled an arm around Sherilyn, who leaned into her embrace. At least here, they could provide some small comfort until more permanent arrangements were made.

Spencer entered with their breakfasts. “Anyone hungry?”

“Me!” Sherilyn called out.

He opened the wrapped food. “We have hotcakes and bacon.” The children’s faces lit up at the sight.

Eliza nibbled on a piece of bacon as the children ate. She looked at Spencer, lowering her voice to explain her conversation with Tommy, and learning their last name. “We need to learn more about their Uncle Web. Perhaps someone in town knows him.”

The clinic door swung open, and Dr. Clay McCord strode inside.

“Good morning, all. I see everyone is enjoying breakfast.”

“Hotcakes!” Tommy piped up through a mouthful.

Clay chuckled. “Nothing better on a cold morning.” He turned his attention to Eliza. “Shall we discuss the day ahead?”

As the children ate eagerly, Clay, Eliza, and Spencer discussed the mystery surrounding the two young charges.

“Have you learned anything more about the children’s situation?” Clay asked.

Eliza’s expression grew somber. “Their parents recently passed, and they were sent here by the family’s attorney to live with an uncle. We don’t know who this uncle is or if he’s even in Splendor.”

Clay frowned, troubled by this news. “Then I suppose we must try to learn more, see if anyone in town knows of their family.” He sighed.

“I agree,” she said. “Even if we are unable to locate their uncle, they’re resilient children. With time and affection, I believe they’ll recover.”

“Do we know the children’s surname?” Clay asked. “It may provide a lead on any relations in town.”

Eliza glanced at the boy and girl before sharing her conversation with Tommy. “I believe it’s Weber, though we know little else. Tommy said his Uncle Web was supposed to meet them when the stage arrived.”

“Weber or Web…” Clay murmured thoughtfully. “I’ve been in Splendor long enough to know most of the local people. Neither name rings a bell.”

“I could speak with Gabe and some of the other men to see if anyone recognizes the name,” Spencer said.

Clay nodded. “Please do. And inquire about any luggage or belongings found with the children. Those items may offer clues as well.”

“Will do, Doc,” Spencer affirmed. He turned his attention back to the children.

Tommy looked up at Spencer with large, trusting eyes. His sister continued eating, happy to have food and a warm place to stay.

After Spencer departed to begin his inquiries around town, Clay and Eliza found a moment alone to discuss the clinic.

“I must say, Eliza, your rapport with Tommy and Sherilyn is remarkable,” Clay commented appreciatively. “You have a true gift for connecting with patients, particularly women and children.”

Eliza smiled at the praise. “Thank you, Clay. I’ve always felt drawn to pediatric and maternal medicine.” A thoughtful look crossed her face. “Do you think Splendor is ready for a female doctor? I wonder how the community will respond if I agree to accept a role here?”

Clay considered the question. As a former military surgeon, he’d seen firsthand how someone’s skills and compassion shone through, regardless of prejudices. He also knew times of crisis created different degrees of tolerance.

“Change often requires time and perseverance,” he said. “You’ve already proven your worth here. Continue doing what you trained for and minds will open.”

She looked again at the children before giving a slow nod.

The clinic door opened. Carrie MacKenzie shivered before spotting Clay and Eliza. “The wind has picked up, and it’s snowing again. I hope this doesn’t turn into another blizzard.”

Not long after Carrie’s arrival, the clinic bustled with activity. Ford and Tess Mason entered not long after Carrie, seeking medical attention for their children. Both had been coughing for the last few days.

Clay and Carrie swiftly began examining the sniffling young patients while Eliza slipped away to check on Tommy and Sherilyn. She found them sitting up in bed, faces etched with boredom.

“I wanna go home.” Sherilyn pouted, lower lip jutting out and arms crossed. “When will Uncle Web come get us?”

Tommy flopped back against his pillow. “I don’t know. Maybe he isn’t here any longer.”

Eliza perched on the edge of the bed, concern showing in her eyes. The creak of a floorboard made her turn. Ford Mason stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

“Pardon me,” he said gruffly. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. But I couldn’t help overhearing about your uncle. What was his name again?”

Tommy eyed the tall cowboy warily. “Uncle Web.”

Ford rubbed his chin. “And what’s he look like?”

“He’s tall and skinny, with gray hair,” Tommy answered.

“His eyes are strange,” Sherilyn said.

Tommy shook his head at his sister. “They aren’t strange.” He looked at Ford. “They’re just light blue eyes.”

After a moment, Ford touched the brim of his hat. “Much obliged for the information,” he muttered. “I’d best get my family back to the ranch.”

His questions and rapid departure left Eliza to puzzle over his odd behavior. As his wagon rumbled off, she sensed Ford might know more than he let on about the children’s uncle. She turned back to the children, who were watching the doorway with wide eyes.

“Do you think he knows our uncle?” Tommy asked.

“I don’t know. Mr. Mason is a good man. If he’s curious about your uncle, it’s only to help figure out why he hasn’t come for you yet.”

Tommy scowled. “Well, I wish he would hurry up.”

“I know it’s hard being away from home. Is there anything I can do to make it better?”

The boy shrugged before looking at her. “Maybe you could help us find Uncle Web.”

“Spencer is asking about him around town. If he’s here, someone will know him.”

Sherilyn looked between them. “Could we go outside?”

“I don’t see why not.” Eliza held out her hands. “Come on then, let’s stretch our legs.”

The children slid from bed, the promise of an outing chasing away their gloom. Eliza led the children outside. Though it was snowing, the bright morning sunshine made it seem warmer than the freezing temperature. The brisk winter air felt refreshing after being cooped up indoors.

They hadn’t gotten far from the clinic when Tommy bent down to pick up a handful of snow. Forming it into a ball, he threw it at Sherilyn, who screamed in delight. For several minutes, the uncertainty of their future fell away as they played.

After returning his family to their ranch and completing a few more chores, Ford reined up in front of the Dixie. He hoped what he had to do wouldn’t take long.

Stepping into the dim interior, he paused to let his eyes adjust. The air was thick with tobacco smoke and the sour smell of old beer. A few patrons sat nursing drinks at the scarred wooden tables while others played cards in the corner.

Ford spotted Julia behind the bar, wiping out a glass with a rag. He angled toward her, leaning against the counter.

“Afternoon, Julia,” he said.

She glanced up, her expression guarded. “Ford. What can I do for you?”

“I was hoping you could help me out with some information.” He kept his voice low, not wanting the other patrons to overhear.

Her eyes narrowed. “What sort of information?”

“Did you hear about the children who were found by two of the deputies and taken to the clinic?”

She shook her head.

“A young boy and girl. Their last name is Weber.” He lifted a brow. “They said their uncle was supposed to meet them when the stage arrived yesterday. He never arrived. Do you know anyone with the last name of Weber?”

Julia stiffened. “The name isn’t familiar to me.” Her gaze wouldn’t meet his, which made Ford certain she was lying.

He leaned in closer, speaking barely above a whisper. “Where’s Lucien?”

“He isn’t here,” Julia said, though her face had paled. For a long moment, she stared at the floor. Then she sighed. “My brother rode in from Bozeman. He said Lucien should be back here soon.”

“When he gets here, you tell Lucien it’s important we talk.”

Before Julia could respond, Ford turned and strode outside.