puzzle. Put together it was a map of New York State.
Cade and Sam were happy with hunting knives, and for me he had a spy glass, the perfect gift. A knife would have been welcome, but I could always borrow my brothers'. I would have great fun watching schooners with that glass as they passed in the channel beyond Grenadier Island. Lastly, Uncle handed Papa a piece of peacock blue broadcloth, and some deep red shagreen for lining.
âI longed to have my tailor make a suit in the latest fashion, but I wasn't sure of your size,â he told Papa.
âWe can't thank you enough,â Papa spoke for us all.
Uncle looked dubious. âI fear the cloth's not practical for the life you lead.â
Mama rose and hugged him. âIf you knew how I've been aching for something elegant to put on, you wouldn't have any qualms.â
The shock of finding us in such a primitive place was beginning to wear off. Uncle now seemed willing to make the best of his new surroundings, and he really showed what Mama meant by the Jackson charm. Smith blurted out how we had scrambled to build the new wing, and Uncle was lavish in his praise. When there was a lull I decided the time had come to talk with him myself.
âNow that you've seen the house, may I show what else we have, sir?â
âIndeed you may, Nehemiah,â he replied.
âI answer to Ned, usually,â said I. âNehemiah's such a big mouthful, especially for the young ones.â
âNed it is,â he said with a grin. âLead the way.â
I admit, our other buildings were not much to look at, but he told me they were practical. He admired the hen's flock of growing chickens, and the ducklings floating in the water-filled hole like that at the McNishes. But he spent most of the time with the horses.
âYour father was always the best hand with them I ever saw,â he said. âThat's a very fine colt, and I like the filly's clean legs.â
âWe'll raise pigs and keep a cow or two when we can grow enough feed to winter them,â I explained.
âI'd like to present you with a cow,â he said. âWith a new baby to feed, your mother needs milk for the sake of her teeth.â
âThere aren't any to be had. I know Papa would part with the filly in order to buy a cow if one were for sale.â
Uncle pronounced his first night's sleep a sound one. Our home, he claimed, was much more comfortable than the inns he had used on his journey. Now, he wanted to be helpful, not just one more person who had to be looked after. He was no use to Papa in the shop, but he did not mind doing chores or helping about the house. Mama made him deerskin breeches and moccasins and loaned him a shirt of Papa's so he would not spoil the fine clothes he had brought with him. And the smaller children were better behaved than usual. Uncle enjoyed playing with them when Mama and Elizabeth were busy. Cade and Sam left with the stallion to continue the work on our land, but Papa stayed a while and he kept me with him to help in the shop. Sam promised to go hunting with Uncle when we took him to see our estate.
âHow long can you stay, Brother?â Mama asked him when he had been with us a fortnight. As usual we were gathered in the main room of the old part of the house. The parlour was only for great occasions.
âHow long can you put up with me?â he queried, grinning.
âThe longer the better,â Mama said contentedly. âPlease don't even think of leaving until late in the autumn. You had such a journey to reach us that a shorter stay would not make it worth while.â
Papa, coming in from outside, overheard Mama's words and repeated them. âIn fact, why not stay for the winter, too, William?â he finished. âI'm sure you could make arrangements to be away from your estate on Long Island for as long as you wish.â
âI just think I might,â said Uncle. âAnd have a real experience of
Deandre Dean, Calvin King Rivers