A Sea of Green Unfolding Read online

  A Sea of Green Unfolding

  Lizzi Tremayne

  New Zealand and United States Copyright 2017 by Lizzi Tremayne

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  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

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  Lizzi Tremayne / Blue Mist Publishing

  Franklin Road, RD 2

  Waihi, New Zealand 3682

  www.lizzitremayne.com

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  Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

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  Formatting and artwork by Lizzi Tremayne

  Interior artwork by Made by B 4 U

  Cover design by Safeword! Author Services and Lizzi Tremayne

  Acknowledgement for cover image to Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections Reference # 589-352 by artist Samuel Stuart

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  A Sea of Green Unfolding/ Lizzi Tremayne 1st Edition May 2017

  Book Three of The Long Trails series

  Reloaded file November 2018-V28

  Digital ISBN 978-0-9941431-5-0

  Created with Vellum

  Dedicated to

  … the Māori students of my 2014 Paeroa College maths class, born into a culture embracing an oral history:

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  You didn't think you knew any Māori history, local or otherwise, did you?

  You didn't believe me, when I said the stories your kuia and koroua told you were real history.

  You know more than you think you do.

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  … and to those descended from old and displaced cultures, whether they be American Indian, Hispanic, Moriori, Māori, Syrian, or others too numerous to mention:

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  Your forefathers lived, breathed and died in your country.

  It is your history.

  No one, but no one, can take that away from you.

  Be proud of your heritage.

  Contents

  Welcome to Book Three

  Books by Lizzi Tremayne

  Praise for Lizzi Tremayne

  I. Rancho de las Pulgas, San Francisco Bay

  II. Waiau Bay, New Zealand

  Find Books

  By the Author

  Author's Notes

  New Zealand Place Names: Then ~ Now

  Glossary of Foreign Words

  Recipe: Rewena (Māori) Bread

  About the Author

  Connect with Lizzi

  Acknowledgments

  Excerpt from Tatiana

  Welcome to Book Three

  of The Long Trails Series

  When you’ve lost everything,

  the only way left to go is up.

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  Tragedy strikes in Aleksandra and Xavier’s newly-found paradise on their California Rancho de las Pulgas. Von Tempsky invites them on a journey to a new life in peaceful New Zealand, but change is in the wind. When they reach Aotearoa, they disembark into a turbulent wilderness—where the wars between the European settlers and the local Māori have only just begun.

  Sign up for Lizzi’s Book Club to be notified of any new books, pre-release specials and get a free first-chapter sampler here!

  Books by Lizzi Tremayne

  The Long Trails Series

  A Long Trail Rolling (Book One)

  The Hills of Gold Unchanging (Book Two)

  A Sea of Green Unfolding (Book Three)

  Lizzi Tremayne First Chapter Sampler

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  The Once Upon a Vet School Series

  Once Upon a Vet School #6: Fifty Miles at a Breath

  Once Upon a Vet School #7: Lena Takes a Foal

  Once Upon a Vet School #10: Greener Pastures Calling

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  Boxed sets with Authors of Main Street

  Christmas Babies on Main Street

  Summer Romance on Main Street: Volume 1

  Christmas Wishes on Main Street

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  Boxed sets with Bluestocking Belles

  Follow Your Star Home

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  Sign up for Lizzi’s VIP Club to hear about new releases and specials, plus get your free sampler gift here!

  Praise for Lizzi Tremayne

  With her debut novel, A Long Trail Rolling, Lizzi was:

  Finalist 2013 RWNZ Great Beginnings;

  Winner 2014 RWNZ Pacific Hearts Award

  Winner 2015 RWNZ Koru Award for First Novel

  Third 2015 RWNZ Koru Long Novel

  Finalist 2015 Best Indie Book Award

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  “vivid, light and fast-paced… it will appeal… to anyone interested in American…history, and a ripping good read. I’m looking forward to reading The Hills of Gold Unchanging…”

  –Deborah Challinor, number one bestselling author and historian

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  “The mystery, adventure, and danger of life in Utah in the 1860s is beautifully described…an authentic, emotional story of one woman’s fight for survival in an unforgiving landscape. I couldn’t put Lizzi Tremayne’s book down.”

  –Leeanna Morgan, USA Today bestselling author

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  “An impressive debut from a New Zealand (ex-American) author…a romance, a western, and an adventure story, all rolled up into a compelling read…I devoured this one and am hungry for more.”

  –Booksellers NZ

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  The Hills of Gold Unchanging:

  “The pace is fast, there’s plenty of action and adventure and a few twists I didn’t see coming. Lizzi Tremayne writes good characters, and that definitely includes the horses. For me, though, it’s the history that’s the star in this story. Good characters plus excellent history equals a great read, which is what this is.”

  –Deborah Challinor, number one bestselling author and historian

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  “...superb storytelling. As Aleksandra and Xavier faced and survived human malevolence, natural disaster and accidents, and their own doubts and insecurities, I kept turning pages to find out what happened next. I love books in which adversity sculptures character and where challenges to relationships bend them to breakpoint and rebuild them stronger. This is one of those books. I can't wait to read the sequel.”

  –Judy Knighton, editor

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  “There are so many things to like about this story. Lead characters... are well rounded and strong... The plot is well developed, and I particularly liked the attention to historical detail along the way. This is an author who does her homework, and it shows. I was intrigued by this story... a cracking good yarn."

  –Shelagh Merlin, NetGalley Reviewer

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  A Sea of Green Unfolding:

  “As usual in this series, the historical research is excellent…well-integrated into the narrative. The description of the environs through which Lizzi Tremayne’s characters travel are particularly good—lush and vibrant. In the New Zealand section of the novel she makes our country sound like paradise. Which it is. There is one more volume to come after this, Tatiana, and I’m looking forward to it.”

  –Deborah Challinor, number one bestselling author and historian

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  “A lovely combination of historical accuracy and adventure…[a] beautifully researched and engrossing story. Author Lizzi Tremayne has developed an exciting tale… from their Californian ranch and later on their journey to a ne
w home…interwoven with New Zealand’s turbulent mid-19th century history as European settlers and Maori tribes battled. Lizzi Tremayne has stamped her mark as an excellent story teller who does her homework well and puts her knowledge to good use in her writing. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.”

  –Shelagh Merlin, NetGalley reviewer

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  “Loved this book. The characters draw you in on a story filled with interest and suspense. A great read and I love how I always learn something from reading Lizzi Tremayne books.”

  –Kate Le Petit, reader

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  Once Upon a Vet School #6: Fifty Miles at a Breath

  “Lizzie Tremayne is a born storyteller. After reading her amazing Long Trail historical series, to switch to her contemporary... series has been so much fun. Her knowledge and love of horses shines through as she takes Lena through her experiences in going through school to become an equine veterinarian. The author is able to make the characters almost three dimensional and you can feel Lena and Blake's emotions. I enjoyed this story... and can only hope the next book in this series comes out soon to continue Lena's journey!”

  –Lori Dykes, reader

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  “This is wonderful series about the path to becoming a veterinarian, the love of horses and sweet romance. The characters in this book, Lena and Blake will grab your heart. Long distance romances are difficult. Determined to find a way to a happiness, they experience life's bumps along the way. The story develops at a nice pace and was very enjoyable. I would love to see this and the other books made into a Hallmark series...”

  –Teri Donaldson, reader

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  Once Upon a Vet School #7: Lena Takes a Foal

  “The story is well told and displays Lizzi Tremayne’s ability to develop strong characters. Lena is clearly passionate and dedicated to her chosen career path while Kit is torn between his professional ethics, his attraction to Lena and the impact of his past experiences… story is concluded well, with a nice strong black moment to challenge our heroine and prove her worth.”

  –Shelagh Merlin, NetGalley Reviewer

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  “...good insight to the struggles and demands of being a veterinary student and illustrates how determination, drive, passion and hard work are prerequisites for being a great veterinarian... This book is for anyone with a passion for horses, a background in veterinary or anyone who loves a story about strong, independent young women finding love!"

  –Stacey, reader

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  “From the opening words of this book, I was hooked. Lena is tough as nails, strong, beautiful and has a heart for horses. This book was the perfect blend of sweet romance, horses and real emotions with fascinating information woven in about the medical care of horses. You do not need to be a horse lover to enjoy the story, but if you are, you are in for a real treat. The slow building romance between Lena and Kit was paced just right and felt very natural. This was my first book by Lizzi Tremayne. I look forward to reading many more!”

  –Teri Donaldson

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  “I did not know what to expect when started this story but as I turned the last page I cannot stop smiling! If you love horses or any animals, you will get a behind the scenes look at what goes on with a vet... Two souls who had similar goals and past hurts that were hard to resolve, but through many ups and downs they triumph. I look forward to more in this series and from this author!!!”

  –Lori Dykes

  Part I

  Rancho de las Pulgas, San Francisco Bay

  1

  March 1863, Rancho de las Pulgas, San Mateo County, California

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  Aleksandra Argüello’s brother-in-law peeked out through the slits between his lashes and his bloodshot eyes widened at her in horror. He scrambled to his feet and bolted for the kitchen door—but she beat him to it.

  “I repeat, Sancho, what did you mean when you said Xavier’s and my baby wouldn’t inherit the rancho?” she said past gritted teeth, as she stood against the plank of solid oak barring his way.

  “No se, no se, I don’t know,” he stammered, and began to spin toward the window. He froze at the sharp edge of Aleksandra’s sword across his throat.

  Xavier Argüello chose that moment to open the door and stopped short.

  “¿Cómo? What’s going on?” Aleksandra’s husband’s eyes narrowed at the pair of them.

  “That’s what I’d like to know,” Aleksandra said. Sancho turned his head and she winced, blinking at the alcohol fumes wafting from his breath.

  “Sancho?” Xavier’s long legs covered the distance to them in two steps.

  Aleksandra tightened her grip on the sword and the miscreant inhaled sharply, but otherwise didn’t move.

  “Su hermano,” she said, directing her words to Xavier, though she never looked away from Sancho, “your brother, showed up three hours ago, just after you left for morning feeding, reeking of tequila and looking like he’d been out drinking all night. He was mumbling something about Melissandra, our ‘poor little girl’, I think he said, ‘pobre niña’.”

  “That’s right,” Xavier said.

  “And that Rancho de las Pulgas should be hers, but it was ‘too bad she was born out of wedlock’. Then he passed out on the floor. When he finally stirred just now, I asked him to explain himself. He tried to bolt, so I’m encouraging him to stay and talk awhile.” She gave Xavier the hint of a grin.

  Xavier’s brows shot up as he flicked his head sideways, his frown now fully on his brother. “Illegitimate, eh, hermano? ¿Come se dice? What did you say? Out with it.”

  With a desperate sideways glance, Sancho ducked and spun, swinging a fist at Aleksandra as he pulled away. Xavier’s punch caught him first, and Sancho’s head snapped back as he dropped to the floor.

  Aleksandra ducked down beside him to check his pulse, then stood up and shook her head as she sheathed her shashka.

  “Are you even carrying your sword around the house?” Xavier asked, his dark brows lowering.

  “It’s only been two weeks since your daughter and I were kidnapped from this house,” she said, fixing him with a stare. “I’m happier with it by my side.” Xavier must be upset to even think of asking about it.

  Xavier shifted his gaze to his brother. “I thought he’d stopped the drinking episodes,” he said.

  “So did I, but in the three days he’s been gone, I guess he had plenty of time to get drunk.”

  Xavier’s jaw was tight as he reached for her. He closed his eyes for a moment as he pulled her in close, and slid his fingers along her arms. “Mmmmm. You’ve been baking. You’re covered in flour.” He looked down at her with a hint of a smile, then a frown. “And you’ve gotten dough in your hair,” he said, picking up her long blonde braid from where it hung down nearly to her knees.

  Aleksandra shook her head. “It happens,” she said, and glanced toward the kitchen table. “Adelita’s already begun making the tortillas without me, while we’ve been playing here.”

  “I’m worried about Sancho. Mama is too,” he murmured.

  “Xavier, do you know anything about what he said?”

  “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” he said, and turned toward their Indian sirvienta.

  She stared at them all, her mouth agape.

  He nodded to her. “Buenos tardes, Adelita,” he said, and reached for the water jug. He poured himself a cup and took a long drink. “We were married in Virginia City,” he told her. “Sancho is drunk. Está borracho.”

  “But what if it were true?” Aleksandra looked sideways at him. “My mama and papa would turn over in their Catholic graves if it were.”

  Xavier stilled. The black fringe of his forelock half-hid his brown eyes, flecked with gold, as he shifted his gaze to his brother. “Sancho,” he said, loudly.

  Nothing.

  “It’s an issue easily resolved for us, really,” Xavier said, as he knelt beside Sa
ncho and shook him, “but it could be a little tricky in that Melissandra should by rights be first in line to inherit Rancho de las Pulgas. Mi hermano knows it well.

  “Sancho,” he barked again, but his younger brother never flinched. He shook his head.

  “What if he knows something we don’t?” Aleksandra said, shivering as a chill settled in her gut. Sancho could be telling the truth. “The Methodist pastor in Virginia City thought he could perform the ceremony in the absence of a priest, but what if…”

  “Señor Argüello,” Adelita bit her lip, and looked at them, her brow furrowed, “a letter came for you and la señorita,” she nodded at Aleksandra. “It was from Virginia City, but I don’t know who it was from. I put it on the desk of el señorito.”

  “Sancho’s desk? When was that, Adelita?”