Prairie Hamlet: River's Edge, is the second book in the five book Prairie Hamlet saga, continuing the story begun in Molly's Place where we met Molly Hartnett and the many faces that fill her rooming house. Set in the fictional community of Canalport, near Chicago's downtown, The Prairie Hamlet series is a character driven and historically accurate storyline of Irish émigrés who meet as strangers and become extended family as they confront the obstacles of the period. Prairie Hamlet: River's Edge takes us deeper into the lives of the characters we met in Molly's Place. While demonstrating the meaning of friendship, trust and respect the 'family' created in the first book of the series continues to struggle with and celebrate life in 1868 Chicago.

Prairie Hamlet: River's Edge

By Kate McKenna

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2009 Kate McKenna
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4490-2329-4

Chapter One

December, 1867

The slightly overcast sky had changed to a swirling mass of thick grey clouds by the time Hugh and Josh entered the train depot.

"Smell the moisture in the air?" Josh sniffed loudly as he stepped out of their carriage. "I'll bet there's a storm coming."

Hugh pulled open the huge door and the two friends scooted inside, evading baggage and travelers as they made their way through the throngs.

"Hugh! Josh! Over here." Claudia waved at them from atop the baggage cart.

Josh hurried ahead of Hugh and took hold of Claudia, picking the tiny woman up and swinging her in a circle as he hugged her. "You are a very welcome sight. It's so good to see you."

"Oh, Josh, for heavens sake, put me down," Pushing playfully against his huge shoulders. "What will people think?"

"Who cares, I've missed you." He kissed the tip of her nose and set her down.

Hugh shook hands with Jeb, and wrapped James in a bear hug. "And how have you been? My God man, look at the size of you." He slapped James' back before turning to embrace Elbert.

Hugh waited patiently for Josh to finish greeting Claudia. As soon as she was free, he turned his attention to her and bowing low, he held her gloved hand and kissed it gently. "Woman, you have been missed. We've talked of nothing else but this visit for weeks."

Claudia smiled and stood on tiptoe. Hugh bent forward so she could kiss his cheek. He responded by kissing her forehead. "Seeing you once a year is not enough!" His voice was choked with emotion.

"Oh Hugh, that's my feeling exactly. Matter of fact, I told James today that I fully intend to visit again after our fall harvest."

Josh hugged Jeb, shook James' hand and patted his back. He turned to greet Elbert, and was surprised to be pulled into El's strong arms. "Ha, trying to ignore me were you?"

"Never, not a chance. How are you El?" Josh stepped back and looked into Elbert's face. "I think you're getting better looking as you age. The silver in your hair adds something."

"Better looking you say," Elbert repeated as he straightened first one side then the other of his mustache. "Did you hear that, Claudie? Josh thinks I'm getting better looking as I age."

"Well I hadn't noticed but now that you mention it ..." Stepping back, she put her hand to her chin and walked closer to Elbert. She moved her eyes over his face slowly, all the while studying the blushing man.

"Yep, he's definitely getting better looking. Don't you think, Dad?"

"I do. And it's grateful I am, too." Jeb deadpanned.

"Grateful? Why?" Elbert asked innocently.

"Why, because Son, you were downright homely when you first came out to our place. Wasn't he, James?"

"Oh, no, you are not dragging me into any of this foolishness." James laughed, "I can't believe it. I don't think we've been here more than ten minutes and it's started all ready." Grinning at them, he continued loading the baggage cart.

Josh and Jeb left the managing of the cart to Elbert, Hugh and James, as they walked ahead of them with Claudia. "You better bundle up tightly Claudie, that wind is fierce," Josh adjusted her collar up as they approached the exit.

"Thanks, I'll be just fine. I'm so excited. I can't wait to see Molly and Maggie. How's Nora doing, Josh? Her letters are always about everyone else; she seldom ever mentions herself or how she's feeling."

"That's Nora. She's doing well, and she looks wonderful. She of course, thinks she's fat, ugly and misshapen! As for Molly and Maggie, well they're as anxious to see you as you are them!" Jeb grabbed hold of the door, and had to put his weight into opening it against the blowing wind. "Whew, you weren't kidding when you said it was cold. That wind cut through me as though it were a sword of ice." He shivered and hunkered deeper into his sheepskin coat.

Claudia and Jeb climbed into the warmth of the carriage, while the others stowed the travelers' gear in the boot.

Molly and Maggie had taken extra care ensuring that the house glowed like no other. Displays of pine and spruce garlands filled each of the communal rooms; pinecones and bright sprigs of holly berries decorated candle bases and garishly painted gourds. The pungent aroma of recently harvested evergreens filled the house. Hand-painted platters and bowls of china, crystal and milk glass graced tables, mantle edges, credenzas and any available surface, all filled to overflow with tiny cakes and homemade candies.

Her expression one of anticipation, Claudia squealed when the coach stopped, "Oh my, how lovely it looks. Have you ever seen anything as inviting?" Her grinning companions didn't have to state their answer.

* * *

Before any of them could set foot to the pavement, Molly, Maggie and Eamonn spilled out of the glass-paneled door. Everett followed a moment later after taking an extra minute to wrap little Abby tightly in a throw.

Hugs and welcomes echoed as they took turns greeting one another.

"Daddy!" Abigail called, trying to loosen her arms.

Josh took his daughter from Everett, kissed her nose before handing the tot back to Maggie. The three women bustled into the house while the men formed a line, tossing the bags and boxes from the wagon's boot into the house.

Claudia sniffed as she entered the foyer, "The house smells so Christmasy. I don't know what you're baking but it smells delicious." She removed her gloves and scarf. "The only one missing is Nora. Will she be able to come?"

"Yes dear, not to worry." Molly answered taking her cloak, "Josh will fetch her as soon as they get the coach unloaded."

Maggie waited until Claudia hung her things, and as soon as she finished straightening her clothing, led her into the library. Abigail rushed past them and launched her tiny self onto a small chaise.

"Look, see what we've done in here? We've made it into a private retreat for Josh and Nora. That way she won't have to go up and down the stairs to their rooms." Maggie clasped her hands to her chest, "Bless Molly, she talked them into staying until New Years."

Reaching down for Abby, she picked her up and continued, "And this little bundle has been staying with us for the last couple of days and I don't know how we'll give her back. She's brought so much fun to this house of adults."

* * *

Molly and Maggie finished preparing dinner, while Hugh, Everett and Eamonn helped carry the luggage to their designated rooms. Claudia joined the women in the kitchen, whilst Elbert, James, and Jeb disappeared into the parlor.

Upon hearing Josh and Nora's voices, Claudia scooped Abby into her arms and hurried to the foyer.

"Oh Nora," Claudia cooed softly. She put the little girl down, watching until the child was steady and then held her friend close. "I've missed you so. You look wonderful."

"Mama!" Abby screeched holding her arms in the air, opening and closing her fingers demanding to be picked up.

"Oh Claudie, I've missed you too." Nora kissed Claudia on the cheek. "Just a moment, baby," she said to her daughter, "Let mommy get her coat off."

Claudia helped her friend remove her outerwear and made room for the chair Josh brought for his wife. No sooner was Nora seated, than her daughter climbed up onto what was left of her lap. "Did you miss mama love?"...