Hell and Determination (11 page)

It was without doubt the most splendid building she had encountered,
the front of the lodge gleamed in the sunlight, large patio doors opening to the splendour of the river and mountains in the background.

Pa placed his
arms around his two daughters, his heart swelling with pride as the lodge was declared open, nodding with satisfaction towards his only son, they had sure done him proud and he knew Anna would be feeling the same if she was looking down.

Ben admired Jo from a distance this moment belonged to her, the Mayor and many
councillors from the region had attended the opening, plus all the folk in town had been invited she appeared radiant dressed  in cream cotton dress that fitted her curves to perfection. Betsy held on to his arm whispering “I always knew there where something special about that girl.”

Ben smiled knowing exactly what she meant
, when all the photographs had been taken they moved indoors, a buffet had been laid out in the dining room, tonight they would be entertained by an Artist unknown to Jo,  that would appear as a gift from Gillian.

Jo entertained her guest Ben at her side mingling with the elite and ordinary decent folk that they had known since childhood, Lydia accepting the compliments for her designing skills, hoping it would cr
eate more work in the future especially Gillian who was taking a great interest in her work.

Six thirty and
Gillian appeared glowing with the news that her guest’s had arrived, Jo glanced at Ben wondering what all the fuss was about when Mark Delaney appeared with Patsy Troy and would you believe it she placed her hand over her mouth in surprise as Rick Wilder made an appearance.

Ben had seen neither but he had heard about Rick Wilder he was becoming big new
s in the States. He accompanied Jo as they made their way through the crowded guest to the entrance. Gillian holding on to Mark Delaney proud of her achievement, “Well I’ll be blown Mark declared as Jo appeared “If it isn’t that young madam that proved to me she could conquer the world” he declared embracing Her in a friendly manner, “Take a look at the future queen of business,” he implied to Patsy and Rick as they looked on in amusement

It was later in the night when Jo started to feel emotional, drink was taking effect on top of the many hours she had put into the business, Patsy Troy was entertaining the guest, and Jo recalled how she never managed to audition Patsy that night back in Freemont.  Brandon capturing her thoughts turning her blood cold. Ben noticed the change in Jo, then remembered it was the night she had gone to audition Patsy Toy that his Brother declared his vengeance. “Come for a walk “Ben asked leading her to the open door. “Sorry” she whispered” everything came back to me. “The night of the audition”, he asked. “Listen baby every now and again it’s bound to come over you, when it does just remember who you’re with now, and remember I’m here to listen so never carry it about on your shoulders when we both know it can be shared.” Jo smiled allowing his words to smooth her troubled mind, he was right but tonight wasn’t the time to talk about when Brandon would be free.

                                              
CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Jo’s days where engrossed between the Lodges, Betsy had played a big part in the running of Broughton, Giles was up to his neck in paperwork dividing his time between the lodges and the lo
gging company. She often wondered what they would have done without her brother who had taken residence in his own apartment in the heart of town.

The weeks quickly turned into months and the wedding was foremost in her mind, with only a few weeks to go she had so much to organize her head was in a spin
, Ben laughed wondering what the fuss was about “everything’s under control” he argued knowing his words went over her head.

Her gown hung in the store
, waiting for her final fitting she had decided to wear fitted cream silk, falling to a fanfare from the knees down, draping at the back, Lidia would design the hairstyle with tiny cream flowers. The artist that entertained last Christmas had been re-booked at Ben’s request. So all in all she had to agree he was right, though why she felt so flummoxed she wasn’t sure, Barnaby sensed a change in the atmosphere trailing behind all day long constantly under her feet. For heaven’s sake what’s come over you she asked as he rested the weight of his bulky head on her knee, nuzzling his nose to her belly it was then she realized she hadn’t seen a period for how long, she couldn’t think. Lordy’ heavens above alarmed that she hadn’t realized sooner it must be months, she pondered trying to calculate the date.

Without a doubt the night she had conceived was the night they stayed at Broughton, opening night, boy she must be three months and been too busy
to notice and so had Ben.

That evening they dined in the lodge, Ben glanced up as he felt Jo’s eye’s upon him, he knew som
ething was on her mind, “right out with it” he declared smiling waiting for whatever it was that caused her to beam so sweetly. “I’m pregnant”, she whispered, “three months gone and you didn’t even notice,” Ben couldn’t believe his ears, he just sat staring as though she had grown two heads trying to let what she said sink in. “Holy mother of Joseph” he announced laughing not caring how many guest overheard their conversation, “where having a baby” he shouted to anyone who cared to hear. “And not married “she whispered.

Jo squeezed into the bridal gown, her sister couldn’t keep a straight face, only just aware how far she was into her pregnancy, “ another week or two and you wouldn’t have stood a chance she laughed, delighted that a baby was soon to be part of the family. Her Pa had been in pretence shock
, but secretly thrilled Betsy had kept them informed.

Lydia stood back praising her
efforts; Jo appeared stunning, her silk gown covered by a thick silk cloak decorated with cream fur around the hood, tiny Edelweiss adorned the thick crop of curls on top of her head. Her Pa paced back and forth outside the annex, “Bye Lydia whispered, sees you at Broughton.

Pony and Trap waited dressed for the
occasion; just a whispering of snow covered the ground perfect for the guest. “What a wonderful sight” he acknowledge capturing the hand of his Daughter as he led her to the waiting carriage. Only a handful of guest and staff where left at the lodge to wish her well, Broughton Lodge would be the venue for the wedding with guest booked into the Lodge for the evening.

Jo had been kept at a distance for the last few days, and now she realized why, from the wooden bridge that had been repaired since her younger days to the entrance of the lodge, Lydia had arched the trail with fairy lights and Edelweiss such a glorious display. Her Pa smiled his
approval, squeezing her hand in a loving gesture.

Ben waited nervously, Mike at his side fidgeting with the ring in his pocket. The lounge decked out in a magnificent display of gold and cream.

He turned slowly as the bridal march played
taking in the exquisite figure that walked towards him, her Pa handing his daughter over to the groom with such pride.

Their
eyes shining with love as they declared their vows, witnessed by the townsfolk friends and relatives. Ben slowly kissed the bride to everyone’s delight, then led the guest to the dining room where their seats where marked for the occasion. Mike’s speech brought a tear to their eyes as he mentioned how life had improved over the past few years, most folk where well aware of what he was talking about, Ben asked politely for him to move on, so they raised their glasses to the bride and groom. The rest of the day flowed amongst conversation and laughter, delighted when the evening came around and Guy Ford once again entertained leaving Jo and Ben free to retire for the night.

Ben had been informed of his brother’s release he had spread the word to the work hands to be vig
ilant, but didn’t want his wife to worry so far gone into her pregnancy, only two more weeks and she hobbled around content that the child was growing stronger with each passing day.

The annex they realized wasn’t
a family home, Ben had decided to search for land between both Lodges, one area Jo had fallen in love with at first glance was deep in the heart of the mountains with a lake of its own, and the mountain track was wide, centred through the heart of the forest opening onto an open valley surrounded with mountains. Ben decided to design the cabin to their own taste so he had been in touch with the architect and promised they would be able to move in before the following Christmas.

Jo was returning from there afternoon stroll, the beginning of May and the heat was already unbear
able Barnaby was reluctant to leave the water, she could hardly blame him if she wasn’t in this state she would have joined him willingly. Twinges had started in her lower back and water gushed down her legs, she phoned Ben praying he would be in the yard and not down river where reception was poor, she was in luck and by the time she had persuaded Barnaby out of the water his pick-up could be heard coming down the mountain track.

Jacob Be
njamin Gibbs all eight pound ten ounces of strong lungs was born at ten thirty on the ninth of May 2003 to his parents delight. Jake held his grandson and wept with pride.

He’s going to be spoiled if we don’t watch out Jo announced as her son was passed around the
family, “mother needs to get some rest now” The nurse announced, “If all’s well she will be home tomorrow.”

Ben laughed as Barnaby sniffed the bundle in his arms wondering what to make of the new addition; Jo lay on the settee glad to be alone with her husband and
new-born son, the entire staff had been in and out all day.

Almost six month old by the time the cabin was ready to move into, he was a bundle of laughter, his once blonde hair turning dark like his Ma’s, Betsy had been busy all week helping with the furniture
and keeping the place warm, as they were in for a cold winter, already the lake had started to freeze. Jo was really looking forward to moving into the cabin, the Annex had served its purpose though work at the lodge was a constant pressure Jo was tired of answering the door every time something went wrong, she needed a break.

The day of the big move arrived and Jo h
ad promised herself two weeks of sheer comfort with nothing only family to worry about, Barnaby had already explored the great outdoors his coat as black as midnight and the picture of vitality, He worshiped his new companion like a guardian angel he guarded his every move, even family where reluctant to take Jacob from his cot without first making a pact with Barnaby.

Jo was happier than she had ever been counting her blessings as she watched her son grow with each passing day, Christmas was almost upon them and she had set herself a daily routine, four hour a day, alternate days at the lodges, Betsy was thrilled to have Jacob sometimes at home other times at the
cabin. Barnaby rummaged the forest searching for critters that came out looking for food now the snow had arrived, Ben laughed as he tried to drag the Christmas tree from his grip snarling as though he could tear it apart, as Jacob bawled not sure what to make of it.

That evening was spent decorating the tree, the large balcony overlooking the frozen lake had been adorned with
lights of every description, it was a spectacular sight the snow covered mountains in the background. Jo relaxed on the large four seated settee in front of the log fire, Ben poured the brandy and came to join her content in her company as the night drew to a close. 

                                                      CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Jo laughed watching Lydia trudge up the snow
covered trail to where her Truck was parked, Jacob enjoying his Aunts cheerful cursing, Barnaby nearly knocking her down in the excitement, “go back” Lydia begged as he was reluctant to see Jacob leave, “ here boy” Jo called finding the whole paraphernalia amusing, at last he allowed them to leave. “You’re a crazy one” she declared ruffling the top of his head, as she led him through the doors of Broughton Lodge, “go dry yourself in front of the fire” she demanded, as she made her way to the office to check on the Christmas list.

Three o Clock she had finished and for once would be able to collect her son on time, not that Betsy ever complained especially as Lydia will have spent most of the day.