O'Neill's Texas Bride by Caroline Clemmons

Author:Caroline Clemmons [Clemmons, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-05-13T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Back at the Clayton home, they unloaded their purchases.

Mrs. Clayton held up her gift. “I’ve never owned such a fancy handkerchief. This lace edging is lovely.”

When Lance handed his father the harmonica, Council laughed. “I declare. You remember when I had one of these?”

“I do, Papa. Can you still play for us?”

James carried a couple of chairs into the living room as if he were at home. They all sat, but Finn chose the bench again and Stella sat beside him. James scowled, then apparently caught himself and his expression changed to a more pleasant one.

Council tested the harmonica then broke into “Camptown Races”.

Mrs. Clayton surprised Finn when she picked up the mandolin and strummed the instrument as if she did so daily.

Finn followed along on his new violin that he thought of as a fiddle.

The sisters clapped their hands in time and sang. Looking as if he felt foolish, James clapped along with them.

Council looked at Finn. “I’ll bet you know this one.” He broke into “Dawning of the Day.”

The women sang in English.

Finn waited until they’d reached the end and then he sang the song in Gaelic while the senior Clayton’s accompanied him.

Stella clasped her hands at her breast. “That was beautiful. Somehow the lyrics sound more romantic in Irish.”

James leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “Liked it better when I could understand the words.”

Finn put his violin in the case. “Tomorrow is a work day and one I won’t enjoy near as much as the past few weeks.”

James stared at him. “Why not?”

Finn stood. “I’ve been transferred to Johann Swensen’s crew because o’ the fire. Farland says I’m too comfortable…no, he said ‘cozy’ on Clayton’s crew.”

James stood also. “Swensen’s. Whew, tough, man. No more bonuses for you.”

“So I’ve heard.” Finn shook Council’s hand. “Sure and ‘twas great working with you and your crew.”

He turned to Mrs. Clayton. “Thank you for the meal and the music.”

He bowed. “Ladies, Lance, ‘twas a pleasure.”

When he left, James surprised him by coming along.

“What did Farland say to you?”

“Chewed me out for the fire even though he didn’t accuse me o’ being a part o’ the blaze. Then he told me I was ‘too cozy’ with Clayton’s crew and transferred me to Swensen’s starting in the morning.”

“Man, that’s rough. Swensen’s always at the bottom of the board. Don’t know why. Maybe he lets his sons loaf on the job.”

“Guess I’ll find out tomorrow morning.”

Once they were back in the bunkhouse, Finn stopped to let Aleski know what had happened.

“Well, I’ll be damned if that don’t beat everything. Guess we won’t be winning the bonus this month.”

Jose was listening. “I’m sorry for you, but I have wonderful news. One of the families is moving out this week and I can send for my Maria.”

Finn shook the man’s hand. “Hey, that’s great. When will she arrive?”

“I sent a wire today. But she no send one back yet. Maybe she will just come here.”

“Congratulations. Now all we need is for Aleski’s wife to show up.

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