“But she’s still beautiful.” He caught up with her and put an arm around her shoulders. “John has everyone on the farm rounding up the animals. Inuksuk and Yutu went back to their village when they heard the weather would turn worse. With the sickness there, the villagers will need help keeping their animals sheltered.”
“I locked the sheep up, but will they be warm enough in there?” She studied her husband’s face.
He didn’t reply right away. “I pray so. Since they are all together, the warmth from their bodies should keep the barns a decent temperature. The hardest part is gathering them all up. Thank you for doing that. They listen to your voice, that’s for certain.” He tapped her nose. “Havyn went to double-check on the chickens, I took care of Whitney’s dogs, while John and the rest are out looking for the cows. They have the most grueling job.”
“I don’t envy them. Not out in this cold.” She shivered again and raced for the door. “I can’t wait to sit in front of the fireplace and get rid of this chill.”
The sound of an approaching sleigh stopped her in her tracks.
Daniel stepped out into the lane. “Who could that be?” Then he waved to Madysen. “It’s Granny.”
Madysen joined her husband and waited for the sleigh to come to a stop. Not only was it Granny Beaufort, but she had quite the cargo with her. Ruth, Eli, and Bethany were huddled in the back seat.
Granny set the brake. “The Grand Nome Hotel caught fire about an hour ago.”
Madysen put both hands up to her face. A fire in town could spread and devastate in no time. There were thousands upon thousands of people living in close quarters and not a lot of sturdy shelters, and Madysen’s mind raced with the horror. “Oh no! Was anyone injured?”
Daniel’s grandmother shook her head. “We don’t know yet. I went over as soon as I heard the bell and saw Ruth and Bethany throwing their things out the window. The streets became chaos and the fire grew. So I grabbed your family and figured I would drop them off here and then go see what else I can do to help.”
Black smudges covered the trio’s faces. Daniel helped the ladies down and then put a hand on Eli’s shoulder. “You holding up?”
Her younger half brother looked as if he might burst into tears at any moment, but he stiffened his shoulders. “I tried to help put out the flames, but then Bethany and Aunt Ruth needed my help.”
Madysen stepped closer to him. “How very brave of you. We’re glad you are safe. Let’s get everyone inside.”
Daniel helped grab their meager belongings out of the sleigh, and Granny stepped over to Madysen. In hushed tones,she spoke into her ear. “I know this hasn’t been a peaceful week for you all, but I couldn’t bear the sight of them standing out in the middle of the street with nowhere to go.”
“It’s not a problem. You did the right thing.” She bit her lip as her mind shifted to Whitney. But no matter how difficult this might be for their older sister, it was what they needed to do. Whit would understand that.
“Well, I’m glad you agree. I didn’t want to be presumptuous, but they need you. I better get back into town.” She wrapped her scarf up around her face.
“Oh no you don’t.” Madysen gripped the older woman’s shoulders with numb fingers and steered her toward the house. “You arenotdriving home alone in this weather. It’s already dark, and the temperature will continue to plummet, I’m sure. We’ve got plenty of room. You can stay with us.”
“Martin doesn’t know that I’ve gone, though. He’ll surely worry.” Granny pulled back against Madysen’s arms.
“Nowwho’s the stubborn one?” She laughed. “It’s not fit for man nor beast. Get inside, young lady. Martin is probably still helping with the fire. He knows you have good sense. He’ll also see that the sleigh is gone. I’m sure he can put two and two together.”
Here she was, the youngest of the adults, telling her elder what to do. Madysen attempted to keep a straight face, but it didn’t work. She’d hear about her bossiness later.
As they entered the house, Daniel rushed toward them. “Oh good. You convinced her to stay.” He was out of breath. “I was about to chase her down.”
“See?” Madysen quirked an eyebrow at Granny.
“Oh hush. I’ll stay.” She removed her mittens and another pair beneath them. “Which is a good thing, because I don’t believe I can feel my hands.”
With a glance down at the aged hands, Maddy rubbed them with her own. “Let’s get you over to the fireplace. That should help.”
Daniel nodded and took his grandmother’s elbow. “Everyone else is huddled there. Except for the men still rounding up the cattle.”
The door slammed and stomping ensued. John’s voice echoed from the entry. “All the cattle are accounted for, praise God. Now if we can keep it that way, we will do well.”
Her brother-in-law shivered as he came into the parlor.
Havyn reached up and brushed ice from his eyebrows. “Are the workers safe? Do they have enough food and water?”
“They do. At least for a few days. I told everyone to check on the animals, but otherwise stay in their quarters. The other chores can wait until this cold snap passes. The most important thing is for everyone to stay safe.”
Granny sat next to Bethany and held the young girl close. “How cold is it?”
