Amelia's Journey (26 page)

When Amelia leaned on his shoulder, he breathed in the familiar floral scent in her hair. Whatever it was, he'd think of her whenever he was near a bouquet of fresh spring flowers. The little feather poking up from her hat tickled his nose, and he sneezed.

Amelia jumped at his side. “Oh my, that was some sneeze. Are you catching a cold?”

He sniffed and grinned. “No, it was just that cute blue feather sticking out in your hat. I don't think I've ever seen a bird with that exact color of blue before.” The only blue birds he'd seen were the lighter ones, not any with such a deep blue on their wings.

She poked his arm. “They're dyed, silly. So are the green ones on Mama's hat.” She turned her head toward the fields. “What are those gorgeous yellow flowers out there?”

“Can't tell really from this distance, but I think they may be early buttercups or prairie dandelions. We'll have a chance to look closer at some of them when we're out riding.” He'd have to find Clara's book on wildflowers and learn the names of some he didn't know and then hope he'd recognize them. He'd just never thought much about wildflowers before.

The sun warmed them as they rode. Its rays brightened the landscape and the nearly cloudless sky. Too often in April the clouds covered the blue and brought rain. They'd need a lot of rain this spring, but he hoped it would delay for the next two weeks so he and Amelia could spend more time on the range and out at the mill.

“I know you didn't see much of Sweetwater Springs when we were there, but it's a nice-sized town and is very friendly. You'll meet some of the people at church on Sunday.” How proud he would be to escort Amelia to church. He'd be the envy of every single young man present.

“I'd like that.” She squeezed his arm. “Oh, Ben, I'm just so happy to be here.”

“I'm glad you are too. It's been a long three and a half months.” It had been more like three years to him, but she was here now, and that's all that mattered.

They rode in silence for a the next few miles, the wind blowing its soft caress across their faces and the sun beaming down as though God gave His approval for their relationship. Ben had waited with patience for these days with Amelia, and he intended to make the best use of them. He snapped the reins to speed up the horses as the wagon lagged behind the surrey. Mr. Carlyle had turned to see where they were, and that look on his face didn't bode well if the wagon didn't move closer to them.

Beside him Amelia drank in all the wonders of nature around her and didn't seem to notice her father looking back. Ben would have to be more careful than he had first thought. Mr. Carlyle still didn't fully approve of the relationship with Amelia. But Ben would do everything in his power to change that opinion in the days ahead.

Isaac turned to check on the wagon behind the surrey. They were lagging behind. That wasn't good. He scowled and faced forward. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. If Amelia liked Kansas and the ranch, his plan would be ruined.

Lenora placed a hand on his arm and whispered, “Don't look so unhappy, dear. It'll be all right. They're just glad to see each other.”

He shot a look at their hosts, who were in the front seat, then patted her hand and murmured, “That's what worries me. She's not some little gem he can pick up and put into his setting and expect her to sparkle like a jewel. Amelia belongs with her own kind.” Being a snob was not his usual style, but this was his daughter, and he wanted only the best for her. Living in Kansas was not it.

“Let's just see how these two weeks turn out with them. I must admit, the countryside is quite pretty this time of year despite the fact that it's so far away from everything.”

He glanced around since he hadn't even noticed the land they traveled. His mind had been too occupied with Amelia and Ben. Lenora was right. The clusters of wildflowers nestled among the grasses did make a pretty picture, but it lacked the hustle and bustle he loved in the city.

Lenora grinned and shook her head as the surrey hit a bump in the road. “The cobblestone streets back home aren't quite as bad as this, but it hasn't been a bad ride,” she commented in a louder voice.

Elizabeth turned her head and smiled. “This is one of our better roads since it's traveled so much into town. We have the surrey and two wagons to get us around on the ranch and into town for supplies and attending church. In the winter time we bundle up with coats and blankets to make the trip.”

So they had no enclosed carriages to protect them from the elements. He'd have to pray it didn't rain on Sunday. That would make for a rather miserable ride to town. Isaac glanced back again at the wagon. It had pulled closer, and from the look on Amelia's face, she truly enjoyed the ride. He would let them be for now, but if things went further, he'd have to step in and put an end to it.

Saying something to Amelia now would let her know not to be so enthusiastic, but then that would most likely end up spoiling the trip for everyone, not just Amelia. Lenora had looked forward so much to this trip and her visit with Elizabeth, and he'd do nothing to hurt her.

They had passed through a gate with a metal arch above it a little ways back. The Haynes's brand, a Rocking H, topped the arch. Now a house came into view, and Isaac leaned forward to gain a better view.

His eyes opened wide. What lay before him far exceeded the expectations he had for a prairie ranch house. A wide porch wrapped around the corners of the house and halfway around the sides. A sloped shingled roof with three dormer windows topped the wood structure. Flower beds bordered with stones lined the front, flanking a stone path leading up to the porch. Two rockers and a swing completed the picture of the front of the house. To the left the barn and stables rose with an attached corral that contained several horses.

“Matthew, this is a very nice spread. The house is larger than I thought it would be.” Then he chuckled. “But then with five children, I suppose it has to be.”

“That's the reason for the second story. After Gideon was born, we decided that if we wanted more children, we'd better add on to the house. Then Clara came to live with us, and Grace Ann and Billy came along, so it's good that we did.”

The surrey stopped and Isaac stepped down then turned to assist Lenora. She smiled up at him as his hands lingered about her waist. “This is going to be a most wonderful two weeks. Wait and see.”

Isaac glanced toward the wagon just as Ben set Amelia on the ground. His hands also stayed longer than necessary about Amelia's waist. Fear rose in Isaac's throat and threatened to choke him as the young couple gazed into each other's eyes. This was not what he had planned. What had he been thinking? Putting those two together anywhere was a big mistake, and Isaac had just made the biggest one of his life.

Chapter 25

A
melia shook out the split skirt the dressmaker made for this trip. Today she would see the site where Ben was working on their house. His parents and Clara knew about it, but no one else did; the three of them had been sworn to secrecy. Ben told Amelia that he'd been afraid his little brother or sister would let the news slip, and he wasn't ready for her parents to know yet.

She leaned on the sill of her second-floor window and filled her lungs with fresh country air. The weather cooperated in beautiful fashion today. Billowy white clouds raced across the sun that sent its bright rays to warm the temperatures into the high fifties. Her new jacket would be exactly right for their ride this morning.

Breakfast had been fun even if somewhat chaotic. She'd never been around a table at mealtime with that many people except at special dinners and parties. Billy and Grace Ann had kept a lively conversation going with questions about their trip and suggestions as to what they could do on the ranch.

Papa planned to ride out with Mr. Haynes to see the land and the herds, and Billy wanted to go along so he could see and pet the calves that had been born. He even boasted about helping deliver one of the calves and started to go into detail about the experience before his mother put a halt to it. “That's enough, Billy. You can't go this morning because you have school, remember?”

The little boy pouted, but Mrs. Haynes stood firm. A smile played about Amelia's mouth. That look brought back memories of some of her antics to get out of going to school at his age. She didn't have any success either.

Envy of Ben's large family set in, and once again she worried that he would change his mind about her the more he thought about not having a large family of children to call his own. He'd assured her over and over again that it wouldn't make a difference, but what if it did later when they were married and had no children?

Best not to think about such things on this beautiful morning, so she shoved them into the recesses of her mind and concentrated on dressing for their ride. She pulled a soft brown skirt up around her hips. Then she pulled on a pair of boots Mary Beth had left behind. She stood and tried walking in them. They were a good fit, and she had no trouble with them; in fact, they were quite comfortable. Mary Beth had also left a hat that Amelia now picked up and set on her head. Letting her hair stay loose and tied back only with a ribbon allowed the hat to fit firmly over her hair.

She moistened her lips and headed down to the parlor where Ben planned to meet her. Mama and Mrs. Haynes sat in the parlor drinking coffee. Clara, Billy, Grace Ann, and Gideon had gone to school, so the three women had time to chat and visit.

Ben came through the front door, and his face lit up with pleasure when he saw her. “You're all ready for our ride. That's good. I can't wait for you to see everything.”

“Thanks to your sister I have everything I need to be comfortable on a horse.” Amelia held up a pair of leather gloves. “She even had these to protect my hands.”

“You'll need them.” He removed his hat and entered the parlor. “Good morning again, Mrs. Carlyle. I'll take good care of Amelia. She'll be riding Mary Beth's horse, and the mare is a good one, gentle and easy to handle.”

“Have a nice ride then.” She peered at Amelia. “Will that hat be enough to protect you from the sun?”

Amelia laughed and hooked her hand on Ben's arm. “I'm sure it will. Mary Beth said she wears it all the time when she's riding.”

Mama nodded as though satisfied and picked up her cup and saucer. Amelia said her good-byes to Mrs. Haynes then strolled outside with Ben. They crossed over to the stables where he had two horses saddled and ready to go. Up close the two animals were twice the size they appeared to be from the porch. Amelia gulped. She had ridden horses in Boston, but none loomed as large as the two before her. How would she ever be able to stay atop one so big?

Ben held the reins of the beautiful red mare she was to ride. “Her name is Victory, and she's really easy to handle. Just hold the reins loosely and then tug on them to tell her which direction you want her to go. Here, let me help you up.”

He held the stirrup while she lifted her foot to slide it into the leather. Then he put his hands on her waist and boosted her up so she could swing her leg over the saddle. Ben handed her the reins, and she sat back. Things certainly looked different from this height. At least this was more comfortable than the saddles she usually rode, and now she looked forward to the ride with less fear and more excitement, although her hands did shake at the prospect of trying to control such a large animal. She breathed deeply, grasped the reins with a firm grip, and waited for Ben.

Ben mounted his horse and turned Blackie toward the fields beyond the house. Victory followed right along beside the black stallion. Ben had told her the two horses had both been sired by one of the older horses on the ranch and were of good stock. She believed it now as the mare trotted along beside Blackie.

She bounced up and down enough to make her teeth chatter, which made conversation all but impossible. Twice she'd caught herself slipping to one side on the saddle.

Ben slowed beside her. “Relax and grip her with your knees. Feel movement and go with it. The ride will be much smoother.”

She tried to do what he said, but improved only slightly, and her teeth still shook in her head. Ben urged her to keep trying. Finally she began to match the movement more evenly, and the bouncing lessened to the degree she could at least carry on a conversation. She'd probably be sore in the morning, but having this time with Ben would be worth every ache and pain.

Soon the house and out buildings disappeared behind them, and they rode across open range. Such wide-open spaces were so different from the crowded streets of Boston. Here one could breathe and walk or ride about without running into hundreds of other people bustling about their business. This was freedom like she'd never experienced it, and she felt instinctively that Kansas was a place where she could live out the rest of her life.