The Problem Child (Emerson Pass Historicals 4)

Cymbeline

On Thanksgiving morning, we awoke to a fresh layer of snow. My stomach fluttered with excitement. As the first day of our Thanksgiving festivities, which began the holiday season in Emerson Pass, it would be filled with fun activities and end with a scrumptious meal. Viktor and his family were joining us for the feast, as were the Cassidys.

I went to rouse my sisters but found they were already up and most likely downstairs for breakfast.

After dressing quickly and fixing my hair, I bounded down the stairs. The entire family was at the table, talking excitedly about the day’s plans. For a moment, I froze in the doorway, taking in the scene. All the breakfasts I’d eaten at this table with my siblings and parents seemed to flash before me all at once. Soon, I would no longer be here listening to the voices of my family. I’d be a married woman. As much as I loved Viktor, the idea of not being part of this every day saddened me. How often we take for granted the ordinary occurrences in our days. We’re too busy living to notice how quickly it all passed. The milestones of childhood are only noticed by the generations above us until we look back to pull out the memories.

I couldn’t imagine the day when this room held only Mama and Papa. Everything in this house had revolved around us. Would they be lonesome in their later years? Or perhaps happy to have a little peace and quiet?

“Cym, did you hear? The pond’s frozen,” Addie said.

I took in her shining eyes and flushed skin. Even her hair seemed thicker and more luxurious than it had been only days ago. “I had a feeling,” I said. “Joyous day.”

“Will you go with us?” Delphia said. “Papa’s going to hitch up the horses and sled and take us into town.”

“Yes, of course I’ll go with you.” My mind sped ahead. Would Viktor be there? I went to the window. At least another foot of snow had fallen last night. “Is there too much snow to drive the cars?”

“I believe so,” Papa said. “It’ll take the snowplows all day to dig us all out. Your mother thought it was time to bring out the sleigh for the rest of the season.”

“I love winter.” I went to the buffet and helped myself to eggs, potatoes, and toast. “Can we pick up Viktor on the way?”

“If you wish,” Papa said.

“But he won’t know we’re coming,” Delphia said. “What if he’s in his pajamas?”

I patted her head before taking the chair next to her. “He gets up early to take care of his chores. I don’t think we need to worry that he’s not dressed.”

“Good. Because we don’t want him to be embarrassed.” Delphia scooped a bit of Lizzie’s fluffy scrambled eggs into her mouth.

“Delphia, that’s thoughtful of you,” Mama said. “I like to see you thinking of others.”

“Thank you, Mama. I’m growing up rather nicely, don’t you think?” Delphia smiled, looking a bit like a kitten after eating an entire bowl of cream.

I bit the inside of my lip to keep from laughing.

Mama raised one eyebrow. “Yes, darling, rather well.”

Fiona, who had been listening with obvious amusement, pushed her plate aside. “I hope our whole crowd will be there today.”

“If I were a betting man, I’d say the whole town will come out this morning,” Papa said. “We all look forward to the beginning of our winter skating.”

Talk turned to plans for our Thanksgiving meal. Since we were having company, we planned on entertaining in the formal parlor. Lizzie and the rest of the staff had been cooking for days. Downstairs in the kitchen, pies and cakes were piled up on the table. For dinner we would have a roasted turkey and all the trimmings.

Best of all, Viktor would be there with us. The first of what I hoped were many Thanksgivings together.

As predicted,Viktor was not in his pajamas. He was outside shoveling his walkway when our merry group arrived. The horses wore bells around their necks, announcing our presence. Viktor looked up as we came to a halt near the house. Papa and Mama were in the front, and my sisters were tucked under blankets in the middle seat. I occupied the back seat, hoping that soon Viktor would slide in beside me.

Viktor leaned on his shovel as he called out a hearty greeting. “What have we here? The entire Barnes family come to see me?”

“We’re taking you to town,” Delphia shouted. “To skate. The pond’s frozen.”

Viktor grinned and made his way through the snow to us. He took off his hat and bowed his head toward Papa and Mama. “Lord Barnes. Mrs. Barnes.”

“Sorry to come without an invitation,” Mama said. “We were hoping you’d come in with us, as the roads are bad.”

“Much obliged, thank you,” Viktor said. “I’d be delighted to join you.”

“If you’re not too afraid I’ll beat you in a race,” I said.

He laughed. “That, my dear, is not something I fret over.”

“We’re glad you’re not in your pajamas,” Delphia said.

“Not at this hour, young lady. A man has work to do.” Viktor turned to say hello to Addie. “You’re looking very well.”

“Hi ,Viktor,” Addie said shyly. “I’m feeling quite well.”

“I’d be delighted to join you,” Viktor said. “If you can wait a second, I’ll just go inside and grab my skates.”

Delphia cheered and clapped her mittened hands together. “Hurry, Viktor. You can sit by me.”

Viktor winked at her and then headed toward the house. I leaned forward. “Delphia, Viktor’s going to sit by me. He’s my beau.”

Delphia’s brow creased. “But I like him too.”

“We all like him,” Mama said. “However, he and Cym will sit together, as couples do.”

“Will I ever have a beau?” Delphia asked.