The Snow Maiden's Mountie: Northwoods, #7

By Paisley Kirkpatrick

     A knock on the head leaves the Mountie without a memory. And the tagalong woman needs him as the blizzard blows in. Will he wake in time?

     A Royal Canadian Mountie, Michel Martel, on the way back from the Wisconsin Northwoods to Canada, gets a nasty surprise--a tagalong woman and a blow to the head. When he wakes, his memory has vanished. With a blizzard upon them and no shelter, he has no time for amnesia. He orders the uninvited woman to gather firewood quickly, or they will die.

      Lisette Dupont, a woman on a mission--a misguided one--to find some liveliness in the drab frontier life. Now her knight in fur-flocked armor falls asleep in the snow, and she can't wake him. If he doesn't wake, what will she do?

      This is just the first of the northern frontier winter challenges that Michel and Lisette must conquer. But the biggest challenge is Lisette herself. Can she grow into a woman and leave girlhood behind? If the Chippewa medicine man, called Proud, has anything to say about it--she will--and the nuns--and Michel. Challenge after challenge starts the process of maturing her to the woman Lisette was born to be. It will all work out--if she survives the process!

Northwoods Series       #7       86,577 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paisley Kirkpatrick
• Release date: Mar 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393281962

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.

Book preview

Chapter One

Northwoods, Wisconsin

December 1857

What the heeeeeee...

His blood-soaked glove sickened him. He saw no imminent danger except for the dark-haired woman who glared at him from across the way.

It's about time you woke.

He glanced around the area. Where am I?

She pulled the brown blanket tighter around her shoulders. How would I know? You're the one who brought us this way.

He rubbed his brow, trying to remember. I... I... he gripped his stomach and vomited onto the snow.

Trembling and shivering surged through him. I... I'm so cold.

She stood, giving him an impatient glare. No more stalling. I've been waiting forever for you to wake. Let's get going.

N... N... No... Michel grabbed his throbbing head.

Frostbite would set in soon. Michel had no other choice but to get out of this snowdrift and start a fire. He tried to stand. His legs wobbled and gave way, sending him backward into the snow.

He sucked in his pride and made eye contact with the irritating woman. Could you help me stand?

She all but ignored him from her perch on the fallen tree.

Dammit, woman, give me something to hold onto, so I can get out of this drift.

Don't you dare boss me, mister.

You confounded female. Get me up.

She sighed and got to her feet. I won't touch the glove where you spewed on it.

He removed his fur gloves and tossed them on the snow. Now, take my hands.

She walked up to him. He grabbed hold of both her hands. She pulled, but slipped, landing on her derriere. He didn't dare say a word or crack a smile.

You're too heavy.

Wrap your arm around my waist. I'll use the tree to brace myself.

This time, he managed to get to his feet and stay upright. The tingling pain in his toes reassured him he was alive and proved he wasn't in a nightmare. He glanced around for something he could use as a cane. Get me that stick over there by the large pine.

What?

Bring me that stick so I can move around, please.

What's the matter with you? Why are you acting so weird? She stomped across the clearing and came back with the cane.

He grabbed his gloves and put them back on. There was plenty of wood in the vale, but it held ice. It would be a bugger to start a fire. Instinct hustled him to gather as much wood as he could manage.

The woman hadn't moved since he asked her to help him. What's your problem?

I'll help you with the wood, but after we get warm, you have to take me back to the trading post.

He paused and stared at her. No, you help, and then we discuss a trading post.

Stop being mean. I want to return to my uncle's house and take a hot bath. I'm chilled to the bone.

He dropped the walking stick and grabbed her shoulders. What's your name?

She wiggled from his grasp. Lizette Dupont.

Lizette, if you don't help me, we will freeze to death, and you will never get that hot bath. Do you understand?

Yes.

Good, now pick up the smaller branches and sticks, and we will get the heat we so desperately need.

He cleared an opening in the snow. Once he'd stacked the wood in the best position to get a flame going, he pulled several wooden matches from his coat pocket. These should make the task easier.

She held her hand toward him. Will this lint help? I found it in my coat pocket.

Yes. He lit several places and blew on the twigs to get the fire going.

You did it.

Yes, and if we have to spend the night here, it will not only keep us warm but also discourage animals from joining us.

Once the kindling caught and the flames grew, they both held their hands close to the fire.

The heat feels wonderful.

Lizette smiled. I can even feel my fingers again.

Does the trading post have a name?

I suppose it does, but I have no idea what it is. When we left early this morning, I didn't expect to be returning there.

He needed more information, but browbeating her wouldn't solve a thing. You must know my name.

Her eyes grew wide. You really don't know who you are?

No, I don't. He swayed a bit. She grasped his arm and walked him to the fallen tree. The woman sat on one side, leaving him more than ample room to sit next to her.

If I'm unknown to you, why would you do something so foolish as to follow me?

Please, stop your interrogation. I'm cold, tired, and hungry. Go find your horse and take me back to the trading post.

He glanced at where he'd seen a horse tethered. I assume the pinto is your mount. What the devil happened to mine?

She shrugged.

Did something scare him?

Well, yes. That's why it bucked you off and ran away.

Is that all you have to say?

Yes. Don't give me the evil eye. It wasn't my fault.

Humph! I doubt that. He picked his fur hat up from the snow and put it on. A stab of pain shot through his head. He ripped the thing off and leaned over, grabbing his knees.

He waited until the pain receded before continuing toward the pinto, standing a short distance from them. She'd attached a leather strip with small silver bells fastened to it on the saddle. He tore the strap from around the saddle horn and held it up. What the hell is this?

She tipped her chin and crossed her arms over her chest. The bells scare wild animals away.

He shook the bell strip. The disgusting jingle of the bells outraged him. This ridiculous thing frightened my horse, didn't it?

She stared at him but confessed nothing. He didn't move a muscle while he waited for her to answer.

Yes, now give it back.

He tossed the nuisance as far as he could. It landed on a high branch of one of the taller trees.

How dare you! She slammed her gloved fists against his chest.

He grabbed her hands and pushed her away. Lady, I've had as much of you as I can stand for one day. If you don't tell me how I got hurt and what happened to my horse, I won't take you anywhere.

Her face paled. Are you serious? You're hurt, and we need to find medical help for you at the trading post.

You're keeping something from me, and I want to know what it is. Were you responsible for my accident?

I told you your skittish horse bucked you off.

He held his hand up. That's all you're going to tell me?

You flipped up into the air and slammed hard against that tree, Lizette said, pointing toward the pine he'd been leaning against when he woke to this nightmare. You knocked yourself out.

He rubbed the sore spot behind his right ear. How long was I out?

I don't know. Longer than a few moments.

He glared at her. My head throbs, and I can barely focus my vision. I'm at the end of my tether, Miss Dupont. Give me any more sass, and I'll leave you here. Do you understand?

Yes. I was only thinking about your care. There's a Sioux who has medicine skills. I know he could...

Stop. I'm not interested in your Sioux or the trading post. Do you know my destination?

Someplace in Canada.

I may not know much, but I do recollect it's a big country. Where exactly?

She shrugged. You didn't tell me before we left. You said it was a perfect place for our honeymoon.

He rubbed his brow. I'm sure I would have remembered the wedding.

Why, you can't remember anything else about your past.

He grabbed her left hand and pulled the glove off. You have no wedding band, and don't know my name. I suspect you're lying.

All right. Maybe I was telling a fib, but it's your fault.

My fault? He pushed her away.

I was angry at the time and said it in anger.

He didn't move. Then you do know who I am?

Your name is Clarence.

He frowned. Are you certain?

Yes, Clarence Spinkle.

All right, for the time being, call me Clarence. I don't believe it's my name, but I'll deal with it and you later.

Thank you.

Did you pay attention to which direction my horse ran?

Lizette shook her head.

Fine. He untied the pinto's reins. What does my horse look like?

It's big with a saddle on it.

That's all you can give me?

What else do you want to know? A horse is a horse.

Clarence threw his hands up. He stuck his foot into the stirrup. The world around him spun. He lost his grip on the saddle horn and toppled backward. A long, low moan tore out of him as he sank into the snow.

When he opened his eyes, he stared into Lizette's concerned expression. His head buzzed, but at least nothing moved.

Are you well enough to search for your horse?

I can't think of any other way we can get out of here. Can you?

No, but if you leave and can't make it back, I won't have a way to go for help.

"I don't know what else to do. Keep the fire going and pray we can find our way to lodging soon.

LIZETTE WATCHED THE man ride off on her horse, well not exactly her horse, but Mr. Hughes wouldn't miss one of his mares. He had so many of them. Uncle James is probably searching everywhere for me, but I don't care. I need to get away from that dreadful place and find one where I can have a good time. I miss having friends and pretty clothes.

The woodpile dwindled to almost nothing. Lizette started listening for his return. He's got no reason to come back for me—not after I've been so ungrateful for his help. A tear slid along her cheek. I don't want to die out here in this god-forsaken forest.

Clarence rode into camp much later than she'd anticipated. He looked terrible. The pain in the back of his head must be worse.

Is this my mule?

She jumped up. Yes. Where's your horse?

He ignored her question and dismounted. Clarence tethered the horse and mule where he'd found the pinto tied earlier, grabbed a couple of logs, and fed the fire."

I'm sorry I don't have very much wood left, but it's not easy with all the snow.

I didn't expect to be gone so long. You've done well taking care of the fire. He pulled his gloves off and held his hands over the heat. I don't suppose you recall anything else about my horse, Miss Dupont?

She thought for a moment. Oh, now I remember. It's the same breed as the one my father used to ride. He told me the beautiful color was called buckskin. Does that help?

Yes, thank you.

You called him Bramble.

Bramble, huh?

She nodded.

All right. Clarence pulled his gloves back on. I'm on my way and won't come back without him. Keep that fire roaring.

It wasn't long before Clarence returned to their campsite, riding his buckskin. You found him already?

Michel dismounted. Yes, I was stunned to locate him nearby. He may have been looking for me. He dismounted and tethered Bramble.

What do we do next? she asked.

Clarence warmed his hands. If you extinguish the fire, I'll make sure the saddles and packs are ready to ride. We'll travel until dusk, or we reach an encampment of some kind.

I don't understand. If you don't know who you are or where you were going, how will you decide which trail to follow?

The tracks in the snow indicate we traveled north earlier today. So, we continue in that direction and hope for the best.

They rode for quite a while before the arrogant man even bothered to glance over his shoulder to see if she was behind him. He knew she had no other choice but to follow him at least until they reached civilization.

Snow began falling in earnest by the time they reached a partially frozen river. "You stay put, and I'll be back as soon as I see if there's a place we can cross. He dismounted and walked a distance up, and then down the rocky beach.

She dismounted and stretched her legs. It felt so good to be out of the saddle for a while. When the man returned, he didn't appear in a good mood. What are you looking for?

Someplace for us to spend the night.

What?  I sleep in a bed with thick blankets and two pillows, not on the ground. Take me to a hotel.

He held a container toward her. You should drink some water.

No. I prefer hot tea.

When you're done, I'll refill it. He took a couple of sticks from the back of his horse and shoved them together, making a long pole. Next, he searched through one of his saddlebags and pulled out a small metal can.

Start gathering firewood. I'll be back with some fish in a little while. We both need a good meal before we crawl into the furs and get some sleep. He headed toward the water.

She didn't move.

He glanced over his shoulder and stopped. Is there a problem?

Yes, it's almost dark, and you know I don't know how to build a fire.

He grabbed his head.

She heard him moan. What happens if he goes back to sleep, and I can't wake him? All of a sudden, she realized the ramifications of their dire situation.

Do the best you can.

She walked around the area. Broken branches lay under the trees where the snow hadn't built up yet. She pulled as many as she could find to the place where Clarence said he'd build the campfire.

He walked back from the river and stared at her pitiful amount of wood. Why are you sitting there? I asked you to gather kindling.

I didn't know how much we'll need.

He let out a deep sigh. Come with me.

She followed him down to the river. He handed the pole to her and stuck a worm on the hook. I know you're cold, tired, and hungry. So am I. If you want to eat, you need to catch a couple of fish while I build a fire.

Why do I have to catch them right now? Can't you do it after the fire is going?

Can you see where ice has already formed along the edge of the bank?

She nodded.

It's going to be a lot easier to catch muskies before the river completely freezes over. We can break through the ice later, if necessary, but it's a lot easier to get our food now.

I understand, she said. Muskies are a kind of fish?

Yes, and they're easy to cook. If you don't mind being here alone, I'll go back and start a fire.

I've never fished before.

Just throw the hook into the water, and when you feel a tug, jerk the line back to secure the fish. Swing the line onto the shore, and I'll take what you caught off the hook.

I'll try.

I appreciate you working with me.

It'll be dark soon.

Yes, but not as much as it will get. It'll depend on whether fog or cloud cover blocks the light from the moon. Now, let me see you toss the hook.

Lizette did as he asked. She was surprised she'd dropped it out so far from shore.

He nodded. Excellent job. I'll leave you to it while I get that fire going.

There was no wind at all, and the water was as slick as glass reflecting the ever-changing gold and orange of the sun sinking behind the edge of the world. Suddenly, a pair of beavers popped their heads out of the water in unison about twenty yards away. Lizette watched them in amused silence. Suddenly, the water exploded violently around the bait as a massive fish broke the surface, inhaling the worm. The joy of accomplishment overwhelmed her. She'd never seen a fish so large.

Chapter Two

Clarence massaged his pounding head. It wasn't his idea to frighten the girl, but he might fall into a deep sleep again. The hatchet on the side of his saddle would help him double the size of the woodpile in case he didn't wake up in the morning.

Not knowing his true identity worried him. By the number of goods and gear in his packs, he's a person who knows his way around the woods.

Clarence pulled a large-sized tarp from under the saddlebags. In the morning, he'd check what else he had available. A route marked on a map would be helpful and possibly lifesaving.

The girl screamed.

He dropped the tarp and tossed the tool next to the fire. Vertigo kept him from running, so he limped as fast as he could. When he was close enough to see a fish dangling from the end of the line, he slowed down. She dropped the pole and hurried toward him. His head spun around so fast he almost stumbled. Help me to the ground before I fall, please.

Not in the snow. Let me help you to that tree stump.

He glanced where she pointed. Good. Thank you. He cleared the snow away before sitting. This will be fine. I'll take the fish off the line and put another worm on the hook for you.

Wait until you see what I caught. She handed him the pole and can of bait.

He could not believe the size of the muskie she'd caught. You underestimate yourself as a fisherman. He dislodged the fish from the hook and put another worm on it. You've done well, Lizette. Are you ready for another try?

Lizzie nodded. Yes, that was fun.

After making sure she'd tossed the line out far enough, Clarence leaned his head into the palms of his hands. The spinning eased enough for him to make his way back to the fire. He tossed a couple more logs on the coals and dropped to the ground.

The kindling finally caught. He chopped up the larger pieces and added the wood to the flames. They finally shot high enough to keep them warm and possibly guide someone to help them. Once he had enough wood stacked by the pit, he returned the hatchet to the sheath and fumbled inside the saddlebags. The pending darkness hampered his search, but he did find a measure of food.

Lizette's scream scared the hell out of him. Clarence stumbled toward the river. In the fading moments of daylight, she stood wide-eyed and scared. The fishing pole laid on the ground near her feet.

What's going on? Why'd you call me?

She pointed across the river.

Clarence saw the full-grown moose drinking at the water's edge. He relaxed. It's all right. You can come back to camp now.

He picked up two fish and motioned for her to go ahead of him. If you'd not screamed, the moose wouldn't have paid attention to you.

Is he still there?

Yes, but he'll leave after he takes care of his thirst.

How do you know these things when you don't know who you are?

He shook his head. "I wish I knew.

He led her back to the fire. Sit and warm yourself. Keep adding wood to the flames.

She nodded, but he could see how frightened she was. I'm going to catch a couple more fish and clean these two. It shouldn't take long.

Be careful. That beast is huge.

Her comment surprised him. It was the first sign of her caring about someone besides herself.

He picked up his rifle and took it with him. When he reached the shore, the moose ignored him. He rubbed his brow. Something niggled in his mind about sick animals.

By the time he'd caught four more good-sized muskies, he was more than ready to head for the warmth. He trudged back to their camp and dropped the cleaned fish onto the snow.

Thank you for doing a good job keeping the fire going. He pulled his gloves off and held his hands over the heat. The campfire should last until sunrise.

Is the moose still at the river?

Moose? He shook his head and went to his knees.

Lizette jumped up and helped Clarence to stand. What's the matter now?

He took her hand and placed it over the throbbing lump. This is what. When the horse reared, my head hit that tree too hard.

She gasped. Are you going to die?

I might, but I doubt it. He grabbed his head and rocked back and forth until the pain eased. I'm having a hard time clearing my thoughts. I want to tell you something important... He concentrated on what it could be. What were we talking about before I got dizzy?

I don't know.

Lizette, think. I need to tell you... He rubbed his brow. Oh, I remember now. There's an epidemic of brain worms in moose and white-tailed deer in these woods. If you encounter a situation similar to seeing the moose again, don't startle the animal by screaming. Slowly pick up your gear and return to camp. When I heard your scream, I thought you had another fish, but when I realized that wasn't the case—

You're being nice. Why?

My headache is worsening, and I fear I may go into a deep sleep again. I want you confident enough to take care of yourself and me.

But—

Don't fall apart on me, Lizette. I need to know you're going to keep the fire going. If you can't wake me, please keep me warm.

He grabbed the slender branch he'd set aside to cook the fish. This is how you can cook the muskies.

He thrust the pole through the mouths of two of the fish and out at the tail. If we didn't have such a massive campfire, I could either roast them on the coals or turn them on a spit like this."

Why don’t you put them on the rocks. They must be hot by now? Lizette said.

You have a good idea. He pushed a couple of rocks closer to the heat and, when the fish immediately started to sizzle, he nodded at her. You've given me a thought. Why don't we put warmed rocks inside our coats? As long as we do it the right way, we'd not get burned.

He put his glove back on and picked up a small rock. Do you have pockets in your coat?

She nodded and opened one. Clarence dropped the rock inside. Let's see how this works while we eat. He turned the muskies over and smiled at Lizette. It looks like we're going to have something warm to put in our bellies.

I'm so hungry.

Me, too. We'll both feel better after eating. I have no idea when I ate last. How about you?

Last night at supper. I left the house before the others woke this morning.

Let me see if I can find anything we can use as plates.

Wait a minute. Lizette walked over to her saddlebags and rummaged through one of them. I've found something. She returned with a couple of towels. We can use these and wash them at the river when they get dirty.

Thank you. You're already learning to travel light.

After he complimented her, she smiled. Clarence watched her closely as their meal cooked. In the firelight, he noticed the freckles and the way her eyes curved slightly upward at the edges.

He slid the first fish off the pole onto her towel and put the second on his. His stomach rumbled a bit, but after he'd eaten most of his meal, his nausea ceased.

Let's put the horse blankets on top of the tarp I found. You can use your blanket, and I can use my fur over the top of us. The hot rocks are working so let's keep a couple in our coat pockets and some between us. If that's not enough, tuck rocks under your blankets.

She nodded. I've got the idea.

If I'm unable to take care of us, I want you to know how to do it the best you're able. Do you think you can do as I ask?

Yes, this time I won't leave you lying in the snow without a cover. I'm sorry for being selfish.

THE THOUGHT OF HAVING to deal with whatever happened overnight without the man able to protect her terrified Lizette. She'd never had to take care of herself before, much less another person.

You look deep in thought. What do you say?

You're giving me a great responsibility, but I'll do as you ask. After all, I do need you to find my way out of the woods.

Yes, you do. He smiled at her. I appreciate your attitude. I'll get the beds made up, and then when you're ready, you can add the rocks just before you crawl under your blanket.

No, you stay where you are. I'll get the horse blankets. I'll be right back.

When she returned, she laid them on the tarp. While she was gone, Clarence had put additional logs on the flames.

I'll go down by the river and see how many smooth rocks I can find to heat, Clarence said. "We'll have to exchange the cold for the hot every so