Cougar Ridge: Cooliage Family Series

Cougar Ridge: Cooliage Family Series

by Debbi Haskins
Cougar Ridge: Cooliage Family Series

Cougar Ridge: Cooliage Family Series

by Debbi Haskins

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Overview

Boston debutant Claire Cooliage has her life all set out in front of her. Graduated from university with a teaching degree, she heads home to her family, where she plans to get a teaching position somewhere, anywhere. Her wealthy parents have other ideas; they plan on marrying her off to a prominent, upstanding member of the Boston society. Shortly after becoming engaged, Claire suffers a bizarre accident.

Recovering from this devastating accident and sent away from her family and friends to a lonely distant town, Claire Cooliage must rely on complete strangers to find herself and to find love. Is it possible for Claire to reunite with her fiancé, or will she be forever alone in a desolate place like Cougar Ridge?


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781490786513
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Publication date: 12/14/2017
Pages: 258
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.54(d)

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

The sun shone brightly, cascading lace shadows across the patterned quilt folded neatly on the made bed. Even the birds singing their songs outside her window and the beautiful morning promised by the light warm breeze could not bring a smile to her face. For today she was leaving, returning home for good.

As she snapped the latch on the last of her bags she glanced about the small but tidy room that she has called home during her time at the university, making sure nothing has been forgotten. She then approached the mirror on the washstand, placed her peacock blue headpiece on her hair and secured it with a silver hat pin. The flower encased hat had wide blue ribbons which she tied beneath her chin, slightly off to the right.

After another long glance, she informed the footman that she was ready. Yes she was ready. For today, Claire Marie Cooliage of Boston Massachusetts will be returning home as a certified teacher. Today she had graduated with her class. Alone she accepted her diploma, as no member of her family attended her ceremony. She was not surprised. Her father thought it was a grand waste of his time and his resources since she will be wed and need to be a wife to an upstanding member of the society, not a meager school teacher.

Her mother was not one to go against father's wishes, no matter how ridiculous they were. None the less, Claire was proud of her certification. She will miss the professors and the few friends that she had made while learning here.

The footman approached and picked up the last of her bags and followed Claire from the room. He couldn't help but stare. This young lady sure was a sight to behold. He doubted that she was even aware of how truly beautiful she looked. He could see the immense breeding instilled into her as she walked ahead of him. The way her back was straight, her head held high, the natural sway to her hips making a soft swishing sound by her blue traveling gowns. Those blue gowns were trimmed ever so slightly with small embroidered flowers along the cuffs and hem of her dress, and down the front of the matching tunic. Together with her matching blue head piece, Miss Cooliage was a true beauty.

Once out in the sunlight, the footman corrected his previous thoughts. Not a simple beauty. No. Miss Cooliage was a goddess! Her gorgeous red hair set ever so perfect, with just a hint of soft wispy ringlets escaping from beneath her headpiece and framing her face beautifully. A perfectly shaped alabaster white face, and naturally rose red lips. But it was the eyes. Yes, the eyes he would remember always, and dream forever of. For her eyes were emerald green and so clear and shiny they would make the finest jewels fade in comparison. Her eyes were bright and curious. She was a gem.

The footman handed the last of the baggage to the sharply dressed gentleman loading the personal carriage. The carriage was just as formable as the lady being helped inside. Black as the darkest night and highly polished. You could see a perfect reflection. Dust would not dare land on something so fine, the footman thought.

The opened windows had red velvet curtains trimmed with gold brocade that could be lowered to keep the sun and the weather out while protecting all that's valuable inside. The footman handed Miss Cooliage her small carpet bag that must be very personable as she insisted it ride inside with her. It was there he noticed how remarkable the inside of this carriage was as well. The floors were polished to the highest shine, the wood slats gleamed, and the seat cushions were of the same red velvet, so very thick the passengers surely would never feel the rough roads. There were even lanterns attached to the inside of the walls for a comfortable travel experience. Indeed this lady was made for such finery. As he closed the door and bid Miss Colliage good-bye, the footman took note of the two pure white stallions in blinding contrast to the carriage, standing ever so regal, waiting to carry the precious passenger inside. The coachman himself sat atop the rear storage compartment of the carriage adorn in his best grey finery with a top hat, red feather and all. Regal.

Secured inside her father's coach, Claire reflected on her time at the university. The hard courses she loved. All the long hours she spent, reading the musty and dusty books long forgotten in the large library. Even some of the information that she had learned in those books had already changed. So much in life she has already learned.

While the carriage gently rocked and bounced onward past the university library grounds, Claire fondly recalled one particular moment in that same library were she and a fellow teaching student, soon to also become a certified teacher, but most of all one of her most trusted friend, William became so animated on the discussion of freed slaves that he had fallen off his chair and at the same time toppling a fairly large stack of books. In doing so, they had gained the stare and condescending reprimand of the librarian, and sent to the headmaster's office. This memory brought a slight giggle and at the same time a single tear slipped out of her eye and slip down her cheek. She brought up her dove grey glove to capture and wipe away the tear.

They were still on university grounds as this was a large property. Only the best for a Cooliage, after all, Claire could hear her father's voice in her head. They were passing the grand hall now; this is where the graduation ceremony was held yesterday, and afterwards the evening party. Oh and what a special dance that was, her first real dance.

Well chaperoned, of course, but it was fascinating and frightening at the same time. The band was remarkable; the dresses the ladies wore were bright and beautiful. The men were dressed in their best suits. Professors became regular people that night. Not to be feared. The foods served were of the best quality as this was a celebration, a farewell.

Yes, farewell. The friends she made over the years here will remain in her heart. They all exchanged mailing addresses and promised to keep in contact. Claire doubted it would happen, but remained hopeful. She herself had made a personal promise to write to each and every one of those cherished new friends the moment she arrived home. To see how their journey to their homes went, and what their futures hold. Perhaps some of them have already gained a teaching position somewhere. That would be her dream. Once home she will need to send notice to the board of teachers to inquire on any availabilities suiting her degree. Something she knows will be met with much disapproval from her father.

It wasn't long after leaving the grounds that the rhythmic motion of the carriage lulled Claire into a dreamless sleep. The pair of stallions clearing miles of country side, while the sun sliding further into the west. Jonas, father's driver and most trusted servant, announced that they were rounding the turn towards the Estate and shall be arriving at the main door momentarily, what seemed like moments was in fact several hours. This was Claire's cue to straighten her tunic and hat, check her face and hair in the tiny compact mirror she always carried in her wrist clutch.

Claire raised the heavy red velvet curtain for this was always a sight she enjoyed, coming home. Seeing the grand Cooliage Estate from the main road of Boston, the gleaming white columns, the highly polished black shutters on the windows forever gave her a giddy feeling. She could see her balcony off to the side of the house and couldn't wait to be sitting on her chair watching the dogs run and play. Oh she had missed those silly rambunctious animals that her mother adored. Wolfhounds, large hairy beasts but so affectionate you could entrust them to the care of babies. Mother found the breed on one of her trips abroad, and brought back a pair to breed. She now has four of the mighty majestic beasts. Every one of them was a cherished family member.

The carriage ambled down the cobblestone drive and pulled up alongside the front entry. There the house footman exited the main entrance followed by a couple errand boys eager to be put to work. The baggage was unloaded, and the butler approached ready to help Miss Cooliage from the confines of the carriage. As Claire was helped from the carriage she heard the yelling of Toula, her maid. This made Claire laugh as Toula still treated her as a child, always ready to scold her then hug her and hand her something sweet. There was Toula now, standing at the doorway in her starched white uniform that she insisted she needed to wear. It enhanced her ebony skin and pearly white teeth to perfection.

Toula had been with her family as long as Claire could remember, and always had a special place held just for her. Unsure of Toula's real age, Claire just assumed she never aged for she has always looked the same. She was the mother that Claire wished her mother actually was. Toula would always tell Claire exactly what she thought, no matter how hard or easy it was to say and hear.

No sooner had Claire stepped onto the flagstone walkway she heard the unforgettable sounds of the hounds. She braced herself for the encounter that she knew was coming. Loud barking and heavy sounds of thunder approaching. Sure enough, her favorite wolfhound bounded towards her, bypassing the errand boys that were set ready to capture the animals before knocking their mistress to the ground surely. Jasper cleared the boys and launched himself towards Claire. Much to the horrified screams coming from the front door, it was her mother's screams Claire heard as she fell to the ground with over a hundred pounds of hairy dog flesh squirming and giving slobbery kisses, the beast landed his target.

What a homecoming! Now that she was thoroughly slobbered upon, dress was dirtied from the dog, and who knows what happened to her hat! Claire finally stood on her two feet and with the assistance of Jonas, walked up the stairs into that waiting arms of first Toula, then her mother. Stiff as a board, her mother grazed a kiss on each side of Claire's cheeks before turning and suggesting lemonade in the atrium. Jonas handed Claire's hat to Toula, and led the hound towards the back gate where the errand boys had managed to coral the other three hounds so they could not approach the greeting party on the front steps.

Claire felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, like always when she entered her home. It was a true southern mansion right in Boston. Nothing but the best, of course her father always said. Large columns on the wide veranda, eight foot tall double doors were swung wide open to receive her home. Her breath caught in her throat when she walked in the front door. The cream coloured marble floors were polished a mirror gleam, the grand staircase directly in front of the entry room sure was grand! Every time Claire enters, it is always like the first time.

Gleaming wood staircase, curving up and separating into two sides at the top of a balcony like walkway. One side leading to her parent's private set of suites, the other, leading to the many rooms located on the other side of the grand home one of which held Claire's suite. Black metal urns placed on either side of the staircase showed off her mother's passion for orchids. Bright and floral and expensive, they gave off such a wonderful scent. Off to the right was father's study, his office, where he was most likely nose deep into his ledgers and had forgotten all about her homecoming.

It was down the hallway to the left that Claire was being escorted, to the atrium, her mother's private personal space. This is where you could almost always find Catherine Cooliage. As Claire enters her mother's personal oasis she sees the silver tea set sitting on the oak and glass tea server to the side of the chaise lounge. Over towards the double glass doors that lead out to the gardens was a small white metal ornate table set for two.

Upon this table was a large pitcher of lemonade and two glasses complete with ice from the ice house. Cook's tea biscuits and preserves were on a tiny silver platter in the centre of this table, tiny spoons for the preserves atop each serving plate. Set on the seats of the matching ornate metal chairs were plush flowered cushions in the prettiest of pastel colours.

The entire scene was very warm and inviting. Catherine Cooliage came out from behind a large green plant in time to see her daughter enter the atrium. A warm smile filled her perfect features. Sleek faded red hair pulled in to a fashionable knot at the top of her head, exquisite gown in violet shades edged with darker purple trim, and a silver hair clip with a purple flower showed the true beauty of this monarch of the Cooliage family. The only jewellery was a simple strand of pearls and a cameo pinned to the high neck of the dress. Mrs. Catherine Cooliage certainly looked the part of wealthy upper-class Boston. She was very touched to have her only daughter home after so long. She raised her lace handkerchief to dab the corner of her eyes. She had missed Claire so.

The two exchanged embraces, and sat at the tiny table while a serving maid poured the lemonade and was then dismissed. It had seemed ages since Claire had been in this room and across from her mother. Talk felt strange as so much time had passed since her last homecoming. As Claire reached for the strawberry preserve to spread on her tea biscuit, her mother inquired about her time at the teaching classes. Claire set the tiny spoon down on her dish, and a happy smile showed that this was one of her favourite topics.

Her mother was secretly pleased that Claire enjoyed her time at the university. Hopefully, as much as she did many years prior, Catherine had very fond memories of wanting to embark on a lifelong dream of teaching. It did not end that way for her, as she soon married her husband, Claire's father Charles. And bore three sons, and then Claire, her only daughter.

Not that she was complaining she loved her life and her family. She kept very busy with the ladies of the town, the church and her husband's many dinner parties. Her children gave her the most pleasure though. Their first born son, Adam, is now a Captain in the Army and is away right now. Second born son, Micheal, has become a very renowned lawyer in Boston, and just recently made partner. Micheal just bought his first home and will be moving out of the Estate in the upcoming weeks. Now, to the third and youngest son Stephan, Stephan wants so much to please his parents. His dream is to eventually take over the family business. So much like Charles, he will succeed for sure! It was a few years before Claire came along. Catherine thought for sure she would never have a daughter. This could explain their reluctance to let Claire go to school and leave the house.

Talk soon changed to lively memories Claire was sharing on some of her professor's strange habits. She regaled stories of her exams, and studies, about the friends she made and the hopes that they would still remain in contact; Which reminded her that she would need a desk moved into her sitting room shortly so she can start her correspondence to those friends, so she asked her mother if they can shop for a desk later that day.

Lemonade and tea biscuits were enjoyed, conversation was relaxed and overall it was a nice welcome home. The ladies made plans to meet at the front entry hall for two o'clock to go to the furniture store downtown to select a perfect desk for Claire's rooms.

Claire set out in search of her father, Charles. He had yet to put in an appearance to welcome her home. This was normal, thought Claire. As once her father closes his study doors, all time seems to stop. As she approaches the large double wooden doors she takes a deep breath and checks her hair in the oval gold mirror hung on the wall by the front entry. Making sure not a hair is out of place, she wants to look her best for her father. I guess once a little girl searching for daddy's approval. ... Always that little girl. Nothing changes. Softly knocking on the door, she opened it. There he sat, her father, Charles Cooliage. Back towards the door, he sat on a heavy leather winged chair facing the fireplace, book in hand and pipe in his mouth, a glass of whiskey on the small table to the side. Upon hearing her entering the study, Charles looked up.

Seeming slightly shocked, he glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner by the massive bookcase and exclaimed how he must have lost track of time for he missed her homecoming. Charles stood and approached his precious daughter, his arms outstretched waiting for his little girl to run giggling into them. He had to remember that she stood before him a changed version of his little girl.

(Continues…)



Excerpted from "Cougar Ridge"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Debbi Haskins.
Excerpted by permission of Trafford Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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