A Hartmann Ranch Christmas by Samantha St. Claire

Author:Samantha St. Claire
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Samantha St. Claire
Published: 2020-11-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

DECEMBER 9, 1891

Lena tapped a finger against her lips as she stared at the new table Mr. Kincaid had constructed. “Let’s move the this.” Without waiting for help, she lifted one side of the table. “I think the window is a perfect place for it. There’s all this lovely light.”

Clara balanced her paint brush on the edge of the plate she was using as a palette, and trotted across the room to help. After repositioning the table a few times, Lena let out a heavy sigh and collapsed onto the stuffed chair. “I was hoping to finish the braided rug today.” She sighed again and chuckled. “But I may take a nap instead.”

Clara noted the dark circles under the woman’s eyes, wondering if she was sleeping well. Her uneasiness would be understandable, considering all that must be going through her head. “Would you like me to bring you some tea? And Jessie said she was baking muffins. I could bring one to you.”

Before she could act on her own suggestion, Jessie stepped through the door carrying a tray with just the nourishment she’d mentioned. “Here you go, ladies. Gotta keep your strength up. Trust a lady with twins. You better rest now before your little girl comes.” Jessie placed the tray on the table and poured a cup for Lena. “Drink that before you lift a finger to do anything else.” She stepped back, folding her arms over her waist, resolute in posture.

“Yes, ma’am,” Lena said. “I wouldn’t think of arguing with someone of your unquestionable experience. Besides, I live here too and I’ve seen first-hand what you mean. I’m certainly hoping Rebecca’s energy is less than Tommy’s. I’m exhausted and she isn’t even here yet.”

In the assertive voice she used with the twins, Jessie said, “You need to take a break, Lena. Clara and I can put up the drapes while you take a nap. I won’t hear any arguments on the subject.”

Lena frowned. “But I want to finish the rug, and there are— “

“No excuses! Get!” Jessie took the woman’s arm and led her from the room. “Go lay down.”

Lena called back as she moved down the hallway. “All right. I’ll rest for just a few minutes.”

“Don’t come back here for at least an hour. I mean it, Lena.” Jessie closed the door and took a step back, her forehead creased with concern.

It wasn’t really her place, but Clara asked anyway, “Is something wrong?”

Jessie waved a hand, like shooing away a fly. “Probably nothing more than me being a worry wort.” She pulled up a smile and looked at the drapes folded on the chair. “I can’t help right now since I have bread in the oven, but I can come back later and give you a hand. Is that all right?”

“Of course. I have more work to finish on the painting.” Clara picked up her brush and dropped to her knees to add final touches to the fox she’d nearly completed.

“I think I’ll try to convince her to go visit Dr.

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