Love's Embrace: Northwoods, #2

By Paisley Kirkpatrick

Genevieve Vellechamp believes her social background makes it impossible for her former carriage driver to love the 'real' her. She changes her attitude and appearance into every day trading post life, but he's still not convinced she's worth a second look.

She adapts to life at the trading post by learning the everyday responsibilities. She changes her hairstyle and clothes to resemble the other women at the trading post, but even that doesn't convince him she is worth a second look.

Robert 'Big Dog' Adams has loved Genevieve forever, but doesn't think he's good enough to reveal his feeling of love for the former San Francisco socialite. Treachery through family ties invades their lives. He won't let gypsy thieves destroy the family he and Genevieve have grown to love as their own.

The death of the trading post cook takes Big Dog from the smithy shop into the kitchen. His limited knowledge of cooking proves a challenge, but he's ready for it. Genevieve volunteers to be his assistant. He shows her how to cook and she shows him she has worth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paisley Kirkpatrick
• Release date: Mar 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386863335

Paisley Kirkpatrick

Drawing from her family history and a healthy imagination, Paisley Kirkpatrick kicked off a wild ride down a dusty trail with Marriage Bargain. It would be the first of many adventures during a time when men were men, and women knew how to put them in their place. Writing is in her blood, so it came as no surprise when she followed in the family footsteps. Her great, great grandfather kept a journal while traveling on a wagon train from Missouri to the California Goldrush of 1849. This beautifully written diary is considered five star and is kept in the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkley. Charles Kirkpatrick was married to the first woman to have a story printed in a magazine. With these credentials, is it any wonder that Paisley would use her talent to write historicals with a touch of romance? Paisley and her husband moved from the Sierra Mountains of California (near Coloma, where the goldrush originated) to a small community in the Northwoods of Wisconsin four years ago. History in the 1850's abounds and has given her a place to create both of her series. She's written six books in the Paradise Pines Series, and then seven in the Northwoods Series.

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Love's Embrace

This work is copyrighted © as of 2016 by Paisley Kirkpatrick

The cover design is copyrighted © by Gwen Phifer

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Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination, or are used in a fictitious situation. Any resemblances to actual events, locations, organizations, incidents or persons – living or dead – are coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

Chapter One

Howling Hank's Trading Post

Northwoods, Wisconsin

January 1857

Trying to hide the blush from creeping up his cheeks, Big Dog swung the front door open. Miss Genevieve and her student stepped past him and stopped short of leaving the porch. He hoped the brisk air would help mask the warming of his cheeks as the brush of Miss Genevieve's hand against his had deepened the pink to a bright red.

She glanced back and captured him with her upturned lips. Thank you, Robert.

He nodded and closed the door behind him. Her heart-warming smile brightened his day like no one else could. Only she could get away with calling him by his proper name and not send him scurrying to see who the person was talking about. The overcast day turned cool and crisp, but he didn't care. Miss Genevieve had become his sunshine and the reason he would smile today.

Come join me, Big Dog. Hank waved at him from the end of the porch.

Looking wistfully toward the two ladies disappearing across the yard, he nodded and settled on a chair next to Hank. Good afternoon, boss. Enjoying your coffee in the quiet?

The big man winced as a chorus of giggles exploded from inside the lodge. Yes, my daughters' constant chatter ran me outside.

Big Dog shook his head. They sure can be a handful at times. Miss Genevieve amazes me at how well she does keeping them focused during class time.

Hank grinned at him. Don't you think it's time you do something about your feelings for our governess?

Big Dog ignored the jab, and instead narrowed his attention on the scruffy man riding through the front gate leading a string of donkeys. The stranger paused and surveyed the interior of the trading post.

One of Hank's workhands chatted with him for a few moments, and then pointed toward the lodge.

I wonder what that's about.

Hank stood. I have no idea, but intend to find out.

I'm going with you. The niggling of distrust in Big Dog's gut grew stronger. The disheveled stranger didn't behave like any trapper he'd seen ride into the post since he'd arrived last fall.

Big Dog squeezed his hands into fists at seeing the man smack a crop against his horse's side and start across the quadrant.

His attention riveted on Genevieve returning with Jacqueline. Big Dog hustled to open the door. He wanted the young ladies tucked safely inside before the man reached them. Hank paused until they passed before he stepped off the porch.

Genevieve glanced over her shoulder. Did you see the horrid man hit his horse, Robert?

Yes. I'm thinking of using the whip against his backside.

I knew you'd want to do something to protect that poor, mistreated animal.

Please keep your students inside until we find out why he's here.

She nodded. Yes, thank you for your concern. She pressed her hand against his arm. You stay safe.

I plan to. He shut the door before his cheeks betrayed him again. He left the porch and turned his attention from Miss Genevieve's soft touch back to their unexpected visitor.

Hank approached the rider.

Are you Hank Hughes?

I am. State your business.

The man looked him up and down, but remained silent.

Big Dog walked up to the horse, ripped the crop from the man's hand, and wacked him across his thigh. The horse snorted and shied. He grabbed the bridle and ran his hand along the mare's neck. Shh, nobody's going to hit you again, girl.

He snapped the whip over his knee and tossed the pieces on the ground. Nobody mistreats an animal in this trading post.

Those are my sentiments exactly. Hank strolled along the line of donkeys and poked at one of the bundles. What's under these tarpaulins?

The stranger tugged his bag of chaw from a breast pocket and pulled out a portion. He stuck it into his mouth. You run a trading post here, don't ya?

Hank moved back to the so-called trader. Yup. You got something to trade?

I sure could use somethin' ta drink, mister. He moistened his lips and stared at Hank from his perch on the saddle.

The water pump is right over there. Help yourself and when you're done, move along.

Something a bit stronger would get me out of here.

Matthias swung the door open, stepped over the threshold, and aimed a rifle at the newcomer. Get the hell out of here, you no-good thief, Crocker.

No need to worry, Martel. I only stopped for a drink and a card game.

He snorted. I bet you did. More like you stopped to check out the place to come back and rob us later. Matthias walked to the edge of the porch. He slammed a bullet into the dirt at the horse's hooves. The mare reared. A chorus of heehaws and braying jammed the air.

Genevieve hurried out of the lodge. Did you hear it?

Hear what? Big Dog said.

She bolted off the porch and approached Crocker. I heard a child scream right after the gun shot. Are you hiding a child under one of those tarps?

Crocker spit his chaw. A splat of tobacco ran down Genevieve's bodice.

Hey, watch it mister. She brushed at the remnants of tobacco.

You dirty bastard. Big Dog grabbed Crocker off his horse by the neck of his shirt and slammed him against the ground. Apologize to the lady.

Go to hell. Crocker started to get up.

Big Dog planted his foot on the man's chest. I'm a very patient man until someone disrespects Miss Genevieve. You apologize for insulting her, or you and I are going to have a problem.

Genevieve gasped. Don't worry about me, Robert. Please, get the child out from under the tarpaulin.

Miss Genevieve are you sure you heard—

Look, she pointed at the canvas, it just moved.

Yup, I saw it, too. Matthias headed for the first donkey.

Big Dog forgot Crocker for the moment and hurried toward the string of donkeys. He pressed his hand along the first donkey's neck and spoke softly to the animal while Matthias untied the rope. When Big Dog lifted the canvas, they stared into the terrified eyes of a young boy. Big Dog hauled him off the donkey.

The youngster screamed and kicked.

Calm down. Nobody's going to hurt you. Big Dog set the boy's feet on the ground.

The boy's gaze darted around the yard until he focused on Crocker getting to his feet. He hesitated.

Big Dog towered over him. You stay right where you are. You hear me?

His eyes widened as he stared up all six foot five inches of Big Dog and nodded.

Do you think there are more little boys? Genevieve said.

There's a possibility there could be.

Well, why are you just standing there, Robert? Open up the rest of the tarpaulins.

Big Dog and Matthias gazed at each other and shrugged. Matthias handed Genevieve his rifle. Hold this while we check.

They untied the rest of the tarps and found four more boys.

The first boy bolted to Crocker's side. When the terrified young'uns reached the man, Crocker pulled his hand back and slapped him across the side of his face. You couldn't do as I said and stay quiet, could you boy!

The child's cry charged the mood. Genevieve pointed the rifle at Crocker's chest. He held his arms out to the side. Go ahead and shoot, lady. Give them impressionable young'uns something to remember for the rest of their lives.

His smirk raised Big Dog's hackles. Miss Genevieve, he spoke in a very low, calm voice. Let me take care of the man. You take charge of the children.

Crocker kept watch on her unsteady hands. Sweat dripped off his brow.

Big Dog saw her trembling, too.

Matthias dove at Crocker and knocked him to the ground.

Big Dog ripped the weapon from her hands and held it toward Hank.

Shooting Crocker is not the best solution. Please go into the lodge, Miss Genevieve.

No, I want to know why he mistreated these boys.

I promise before we're done, we'll know the reason. Now, you take the boys inside and feed them.

She sighed, but nodded. Children, she pressed her hand over her heart, I am a teacher. Won't you please come inside the lodge with me?

They shook their heads. No one moved.

She held her hand toward them. Please, I can give you food.

An older boy grabbed the youngest child's hand and nodded to the others to follow him. They walked across the porch alongside Genevieve. Big Dog opened the door and motioned them inside.

I'm the one who should talk to the boys and find out why they rode in here hidden from view. I've had experience as a teacher, she said with a lowered voice.

Big Dog chuckled. You've been a teacher for what, he counted on his fingers, November, December, and almost to the end of January? I doubt three months qualifies you as a professional to quiz those urchins for information.

I'm still the best person to question them.

I can see there's no reasoning with you. While I get the boys washed up, go talk to Lottie and see what she has to feed them.

By the time he settled them in the dining room, Lottie and Genevieve brought in plates of food and set them in front of the boys.

If you need me, you know where I am, Big Dog said over his shoulder as he left.

He returned to the quadrant. Jory MacGregor helped Luc Martel take the donkeys and Crocker's horse to the corral. A couple of Hank's ranch hands gathered the tarpaulins and carried them toward the barn.

Big Dog joined Hank and Matthias on the porch. Where's Crocker?

I locked him in one of the empty bunkhouses. Hank leaned back and steepled his fingers. I'm not sure what to do with him or the children. Someone must be wondering where they are. I don't want anyone like Crocker in the trading post looking for them.

Matthias stood. I've got the bar to finish cleaning and then get ready for tonight's entertainment. See you later. He waved and left.

While the boys eat, Miss Genevieve is questioning them. Where do you want to settle them?

When you're ready, we'll walk them over to the bunkhouse and lock them inside with Crocker.

It's for the best, boss. I hope she learns the real reason he brought those boys inside the post.

Matthias was probably right about him planning to wait until dark and then letting them out to rob us while he kept us busy inside.

You could be right. He got up. Miss Genevieve has had more than enough time with them.

Big Dog entered the lodge and heard laughter coming from the dining area. He stepped inside the room and warmed at seeing Genevieve. Her knack with children was a talent he wished he had. Can I speak to you alone for a moment?

She nodded and joined him in the main room. What's going on?

What'd you find out from those children?

They were hungry and shoveled food into their mouths. None of them have said much with their mouths full. I need more time.

You got nothing?

She shook her head. I'm sorry. I honestly have never seen children like these five boys. Someone has trained them well to keep their mouths shut.

Matthias is right to distrust the whole bunch of them. I won't rest well until I know they're on their way.

Do you know where Hank wants them to spend the night?

Yes, in the bunkhouses with Crocker.

No! She grabbed his arm. They shouldn't be allowed anywhere near that man.

All is not what it seems here. You need to do as Hank asks.

He's right, Genevieve. Matthias stopped cleaning and joined them. Crocker and his followers are sly and clever people. Don't turn your back on any of them.

She sighed. I can see I'm out-numbered. I'll go get them.

After she left, Big Dog dropped his hand on Matthias' shoulder. What's your connection with that man? You're obviously acquainted with him.

Now is not the time to discuss Crocker Boswell. Some day when life settles, we can talk over how I know of his misdeeds.

Genevieve led the boys into the main room. I don't approve of how Hank is handling this.

I know you don't, but it's for the best. Big Dog opened the door and motioned them outside. One of the boys stopped and wrapped his arms around Genevieve's neck and squeezed tight.

She gazed at him and sent a silent plea toward Big Dog. Didn't she realize he'd go to Hank and ask him to let her keep them if the circumstances were different? I'm sorry Miss Genevieve, but we can't keep them.

Hank walked across the quadrant toward the lodge. When he reached the porch, Genevieve went inside and the two of them guided the boys toward the bunkhouse. Big Dog expected at least one of them to bolt along the way, but they marched along like troopers.

When they reached the building where Luc had secured Crocker, Hank pulled the key out of his breeches' pocket and stuck it into the lock. He pulled the door open and saw Crocker on one of the cots.

He got off the bed. It's about damned time you returned my boys to me. What'd you do to them?

The nice lady gave us food, the older one said.

His outburst didn't deter Crocker. He pulled back a fist and swung at Hank.

Big Dog pulled the crazed man away from his boss and knocked him across the bed. Get up at your own risk.

Crocker glared back at him, but didn't move.

Will you boys be all right with Crocker?

The leader of the children nodded. He won't hurt us. He needs our help.

HANK STOOD AT THE DOOR welcoming guests as they arrived at the trading post early in the evening for the entertainment. He thought he knew everyone in the area, but tonight noticed a well-dressed man enter the lodge. His expensive attire alone made him stand out, but his observation of his daughters and their guests disturbed him.

Hank made his way to the shadows by the store entry. I'm Hank Hughes. Welcome to my home and our evening of entertainment. He stuck his hand out to the man.

I'm Dr. Stephen Whitfield from San Francisco. I was under the opinion Madam Vellechamp and her daughter Genevieve Vellechamp are at your trading post for the time being.

Hank dropped his hand to his side. You're acquainted with the Vellechamps?

Eli Vellechamp and I were long-time friends. I hoped to meet up with the ladies while I was so close to your Northwoods. Am I mistaken on their whereabouts?

Madam and Genevieve Vellechamp arrived here last fall. Unfortunately, Madam Vellechamp died in her sleep the night she arrived. Genevieve is governess to my daughters.

Governess, you say? He frowned at Hank.

Yes, that's why she and her mother came to the Northwoods.

Oh, I see. It's a good thing I came then.

I beg your pardon. What's that supposed to mean?

He waved Hank's question off. Nothing I wish to discuss with you.

The man's cold demeanor sent a chill through Hank. He reeked of trouble. Hank glanced around the room, but didn't see the lady in question. Why don't you take a seat? If she doesn't join us soon, I'll send someone to find her.

Don't take all night.

He saw Big Dog enter from the kitchen. Excuse me I have other guests to attend.

Hank thought Genevieve's driver should know if the doctor's claim was legitimate or not. He joined him by the bar. Do you recognize the distinguished-looking man in the back row by the store entrance?

Big Dog looked over the crowd and nodded. Yup, I used to see him playing cards with Mr. Vellechamp and, if I'm not mistaken, he was the family doctor as well. I never drove him anywhere. He always came in his own buggy. Why? What's he doing here?

He says he stopped to visit with Genevieve and her mother while he was in our area.

Humph, that surprises me. After her husband's suicide, Madam Vellechamp didn't have anything good to say about her husband's friend.

I don't imagine she ever had anything good to say about anyone.

"You're not too far from the truth. Besides, what was his excuse for being in the area? Howling Hank's is quite a way off the main road."

Hank glanced toward Dr. Whitfield. His manner is cool and unapproachable.

Why don't I go sit next to him and check him out. If I don't feel comfortable with the man meeting with Miss Genevieve, she doesn't need to know he came looking for her.

Hank nodded. I hoped you'd say that. If you have any concerns, you have my permission to personally escort him from the trading post.

All right, boss. You can count on me. Big Dog walked away.

Hank returned to the front of the seating area and tuned his guitar. He noticed Big Dog found a chair next to the arrogant doctor. Neither spoke to each other. He'd never find out anything unless Big Dog could break through the doctor's cool veneer.

He waited for his daughters to take their places on stools beside him before he started the evening's program with one of the children's favorite tales.

Halfway through the story Genevieve rushed into the room sobbing. Tears on her cheeks weren't something he saw often.

Big Dog reached her first and wrapped his arms around her. Miss Genevieve, are you hurt?

She shook her head.

Tell me what's wrong.

I've been violated.

He pushed her away. Who dared touch you?

My keepsake is gone. She sniffled. That little thief stole the watch my mother used to wear. She brushed her fingers over the bracelet her father surprised her with on her eighteenth birthday. At least I still have one keepsake from my parents.

Hank handed his guitar to his daughter, Danielle, and joined them.

That's it? No physical harm? Big Dog asked.

She shook her head. I don't think so. I didn't feel it being removed. He must have yanked on the chain when he hugged me.

Could the clasp have broken and the necklace slipped into your bodice? Hank said.

She lifted her hair off the back of her neck. Do you see anything?

Madeleine pushed her father to the side. I'll check for it, Daddy.

He stepped back further.

She peeked inside Genevieve's bodice. You can put your hair down. There's no watch or chain.

Hank nodded at his daughter. Thank you. I'll send Matthias out to the bunkhouse to shake those little pickpockets until he finds her keepsake.

It'll be my pleasure. Matthias pulled on his coat and left the lodge.

Hank returned to his stool. Let's see, where was I? He glanced at the children sitting in front of the room. He loved watching their bright faces as he spun his tales. Who remembers where I stopped?

David Munro waved his hand.

Yes, David?

The bear was going up the tree.

Ah, you are right. He settled back on his stool and continued with his tale of the wandering bear.

Matthias burst into the main room gasping for breath. The bunkhouse is empty. I'm afraid Genevieve's necklace isn't the only thing Crocker and his young thieves took before they left.

What? Hank handed his guitar to Danielle.

His visitors stood and started putting their warm clothing on. We'd better be on our way home, so you can take care of your business, Mitch Munro said.

I'm sorry for alarming you, Mitch. Hank shook his guest's hand. We've had some unusual happenings around the post today. Thanks for understanding.

It's for the best, Matthias said. The snow is quite heavy already. He escorted all their guests except for one to the door. Be careful on your way.

Hank caught up with his brother-in-law before he confronted the doctor. Let him stay.

Matthias frowned. You know this man?

We've met.

All right, you know what's best. Matthias backed off and locked the door.

If you don't mind waiting until Genevieve calms down, Dr. Whitfield, I'll see she knows you're waiting to see her, Hank said.

If you insist, Mr. Hughes, I suppose I don't have any choice. He sat back down and crossed one leg over the other.

Arrogant bastard. Hank joined Matthias and Big Dog in front of the fireplace. Exactly what did they take?

Everything in the barn they could carry. Someone had to be waiting outside the post with a wagon or cart.

Hank slammed his fist against the rock mantel. Is Luc searching the area?

Yes. He heard my outburst. He's angry as hell at himself for not reading the situation right. Neither he nor his brother heard a thing, and that's unusual. The snow must have muffled their noise.

Did Josef go with him?

No, Jory MacGregor. Since the trouble we had last December with the revenuers, the two men work well as a team. They're carrying lanterns, but I doubt they'll find anything tonight, Matthias said.

Could this situation get any worse? Big Dog grabbed a couple of logs out of the copper bin on the hearth and tossed them onto the fire.

Hank shook his head. Who knows how it'll all end. I've heard from a few ranchers about reprobates moving into our area and causing trouble. We're so far north and, with our cold winters, it doesn't make sense they'd start trouble now.

Genevieve joined them. I apologize for the dramatics. You have a lot more important things to take care of than my hysterics.

Hank wrapped his arm around her shoulders. No apology is necessary. We can all appreciate the emotional impact.

Thank you for understanding. I'm going up to bed. Good night.

Wait, Hank grasped her arm before she could leave. You have a visitor.

I do? She frowned. I don't know anyone outside of the people in the trading post.

He's sitting right over there.

She stared where Hank pointed. Dr. Whitfield?

Yes, the man stood and smiled.

She walked toward him. What are you doing here?

I was in the area and wanted to see how you and your mother adjusted to living in the Northwoods.

Big Dog gazed at Hank. It seems she does know him. In that case, I'll head to my bunk. See you at breakfast.

Hank took one of the lanterns off the mantel. Take one of these so you can find your way.

Thank you. He pulled on his heavy coat and knit hat before picking up a lantern. Good night everyone. He opened the door and left.

Hank frowned at the familiarity the doctor had in touching their governess. What are we going to do with Genevieve's guest, Matthias?

I have no idea, but you can count on him asking to stay the night. You'd best come up with a good idea where to put him and I'll get the room ready.

The man's arrogant attitude didn't set well with me. If there's one thing I hate more than a thief, it's a man who thinks he's better than everyone else, especially me.

Matthias chuckled. I suppose if you catch Big Dog before he falls asleep and ask him to drive the doctor to Wausau tonight, he might get a bit testy?

Me? Hank shook his head.

I'm not going to ask him. You're the boss, you ask him.

I'll go freshen up the room two doors down and across the hall from where Genevieve sleeps before I tuck my daughters into their beds.

No, I'll do the freshening and start a fire in the grate. You keep an eye on what's going on down here. I don't trust that man near our Genevieve.

You think he'll offer to take her back to San Francisco, don't you?

Matthias shrugged. Could be. Do you want to take the chance?

Hank glanced at the two sitting at the back of the room. He desperately hoped she wouldn't consider returning to her hometown. The difference she'd made in his daughters' lives was remarkable and he didn't want them to have to deal with another loss.

Chapter Two