Amelia's Journey (25 page)

Despite the cold weather and patchy snow, Ben had been able to spend time on his new property almost every day and still get his chores and responsibilities with Pa done. Building supplies had arrived last week, and the first signs of building had begun. He and Gideon had stepped out the measurements and laid rope for the outside walls and walls between rooms. He rode out to the site tonight with even more joy in his heart for what he had accomplished so far.

This evening Pa shared a wire from Mr. Carlyle that said he and his family would arrive the second week after Easter for a visit. Ben had shouted for joy then, much to the amusement of Gideon and Clara. He didn't care. Amelia was coming to Kansas, and he wanted everything to be ready. He'd spend every Saturday on his property working on the house until they arrived.

He pulled his jacket collar up closer around his neck. The temperature would remain in the forty-degree-range tonight, but the chill wind made it colder on his neck and face. No clouds in the sky allowed the stars to shine forth in all their glory. Riding in quiet solitude like tonight always brought peace to his heart and soul. After observing the laid-out rope once more, he headed toward home.

The jewel-filled sky, wide-open spaces, the moon shining bright, and the gentle lowing of the cattle revealed only a few of the wonders of God's great world. Snow still covered areas protected from the sun's rays in the daytime, but soon spring would arrive, and the fields would burst forth in glorious color. How could anyone ride out here, see all the beauty, and still not believe in a God who created it all? Why people couldn't accept that went beyond Ben's comprehension.

The cattle were in winter pasture now, and all appeared peaceful and quiet. As he rode back to the ranch house, the only sounds were of Blackie's shoes against the hard earth and the creaking of his saddle. He began singing, not worried about who would hear him out here. All he could think of to sing was a song that Clara played and sang just about every day. His voice didn't carry near the quality of hers, but the words of one verse had touched his heart and lodged there.

The words rang out in the cold night air. “All praise and thanks to God, the Father now be given, the Son, and him who reigns with them in highest heaven, the one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.”

When he stopped and stayed quiet and still, he could almost hear the stars rejoicing in the heavens God created. Never had his faith been so strong as it was out on the range under the moon and stars this night. And just ahead was spring with its promise of new life and new beginnings. God was in His heavens, and all was right with the world.

The howl of a coyote in the distance broke the silence, and the stronger wind whipped about him. He nudged Blackie homeward and picked up speed as they neared the stables. Time for the warmth of the fire and a cup of hot coffee.

The glow from the lamps inside the house welcomed him, but he took care of Blackie first. Only after he made sure his horse was warm and well fed for the evening did Ben go inside.

Grace Ann sat at the kitchen table finishing her math schoolwork with Clara's help. She glanced up as he came into the room and headed for the stove and the pot of coffee warming there.

“A bit cold to be riding, isn't it?”

He shrugged and poured a mug of coffee. “Not really. Are there any cookies left, or did Billy and Gideon get the rest of them?” Gideon was known for his constant hunger and raiding the cookie jar whenever he had the chance.

Clara laughed and shook her head. “You boys are always looking for something to eat. Cookies are in the tin there by the sink.” She closed the math book. “I think that's enough for tonight, Grace Ann. Time for you to be in bed.”

Grace Ann gathered her supplies with a sigh. “I hate going to bed in that room all by myself. I still miss Mary Beth. It's lonely without her.”

“I know, chickadee, but since she's in Boston and planning her wedding, you'll have to get used to it. I'll come in a little bit and sit with you if you want.”

“Oh, please do, Aunt Clara.” She hugged Clara's neck and headed for her room and bed.

“Where are Ma and Pa?” Ben sat down with his coffee and a handful of cinnamon sugar cookies.

“Your mother was tired and has already gone to bed. Your pa is in his office.” She tilted her head and stared at him with a twinkle in her eye. “You were mighty happy when your pa made his announcement at supper.”

“Guess it was kinda obvious. I know that Amelia will love the ranch and Sweetwater Springs. If we can just convince her father that living here isn't as bad as he thinks, perhaps he'll change his feelings toward me. He was much nicer to me that New Year's Eve, and he did allow Amelia to go to the train station to say good-bye.”

“Perhaps, but you had also been a help at the hospital, and he wanted to show his appreciation.” Clara ambled to the stove and poured herself a cup then returned to the table.

Her reasoning was probably right, but he'd rather believe the man's heart was softening a bit.

Clara stood behind him with her arms around his shoulders. She laid her cheek against his head. “I pray every day that God will work things out for you and Amelia. She's a wonderful girl, and I too believe she'll love it here in Kansas.” She pulled back, ruffled his hair, and returned to her chair.

Lots of people were praying for them. God couldn't ignore so many requests, but He could answer in ways that might not be exactly what Ben wanted. He must have faith because God always did what was best for His children, and Ben certainly counted himself one of them.

April loomed as the pivotal date. Whatever happened then would be up to God.
Lord, continue to give me the patience to wait on Your timing and Your plans.

Chapter 24

A
melia gazed out the window with her heart racing as fast as the scenery through the window of the train coach bound for Sweetwater Springs. Yellow and purple wildflowers clustered across the landscape, lending their vivid colors to the otherwise drab scene. The closer they come to the town, the more excitement built in her chest. They had left the Pullman cars behind in St. Louis and transferred to a smaller coach with bench seats. At least they wouldn't have to spend the night on this part of the trip.

Weeks of letters telling of the progress on the house Ben was building, his love for her, and his plans for her visit filled her with the anticipation of seeing him again and learning about the ranch and his home. Ben had also said April brought many days of rain, but he was praying for sunny days while she was there.

Mama had purchased new clothes for this trip, electing to leave her more stylish garments behind and opt for the comfortable ones suggested by Mrs. Haynes and Clara. She had also suggested that they bring warm clothing too as the weather was unpredictable for this time of year. The outfits worn on the train were from Mama's usual wardrobe as were Amelia's, but their baggage contained much simpler skirts and shirtwaists.

Amelia looked forward to riding with Ben and wearing her new attire for horseback. It was certainly more appropriate than the riding habit she had worn in Boston. The picture of her on a Western-style saddle with the fancy skirt and jacket of her usual dress brought a grin to her face.

The conductor stopped beside Papa. “Sir, the train will be arriving in Sweetwater Springs in half an hour. Your bags will be unloaded to the platform as soon as we stop.”

“Thank you.” Papa folded his newspaper and peered across at Amelia. “Well, my dear, are you ready for this adventure? Things have been pretty barren since we left St. Louis.”

Amelia folded her hands together to still their shaking. “Yes, and I truly look forward to seeing everything I can while we are here.”

Mama pulled on her gloves and shook her head so that the feathers atop her hat danced with the motion. “I must say every station I've seen so far has been very primitive. I offered to stay in a hotel while we are here, but Elizabeth insisted that we stay with her because it would be more convenient for everyone. I do hope it's not an imposition on her to do this.”

“Now, Lenora, she wouldn't have put out the invitation if that were the case. You know Elizabeth and how she loves a houseful of people. I remember her being quite the hostess back in the days she and Matthew lived in Boston.”

“Yes, that's true.”

Mama went on to make more comments to Papa, but Amelia tuned them out and once again worked on how she would greet Ben after all these weeks of separation. Would he truly feel the same as he had in January? She so wanted to feel his comforting arms about her once more, but they'd have to withhold any affections around Papa and Mama. No sense in giving Papa something to object about.

The swaying of the car lessened as the train slowed. The shrill whistle blasted through the air to alert the town that the train had arrived. Amelia stared out the window and searched the platform for the Haynes family. She spotted Ben first, and he waved then tapped his mother on the shoulder.

Amelia waved back and then scurried down the aisle to follow Mama and Papa off the train. Mr. and Mrs. Haynes welcomed them with hugs and handshakes. Ben stood to the side and waited to greet Amelia and her parents. She sneaked a look at him, and he smiled, which only added to the impatience growing within. Why was Papa being so slow in greeting everyone? Manners bade she wait until he had finished before acknowledging Ben.

Finally Papa turned to Ben and shook his hand. He nodded briefly, as did Mama, who also murmured something Amanda couldn't hear. At last it was her turn, and it took every ounce of willpower she had not to run into his arms. As it was, she simply said, “Hello, Ben. Thank you for meeting us.”

He doffed his cowboy hat, and his grin became a full-blown smile that lit up his face. He grasped her hand and placed it on his arm. “You didn't think I'd do otherwise, did you?”

They stepped off the platform and walked over to the surrey and wagon waiting for them. “I'll help your father and Pa load up the bags, and then we'll be off. You can ride on the wagon with me.” He assisted her up onto the bench and tipped his hat again.

Despite the cool air, warmth flooded every part of her being. Just being near him again brought on feelings she'd never had and didn't quite understand. If this was the next step in love, she liked it. Her body tingled in anticipation of all the new discoveries that would come from these days on the ranch.

In five minutes the men had placed all the bags and satchels in the wagon, and Ben climbed up beside her. “It's about thirty minutes or so out to the ranch, so I hope you don't get too uncomfortable.”

The wagon seat was rather hard and narrow, but her numerous petticoats should help the ride be more comfortable. “I'll be fine.” The warmth of his body next to hers on the seat warded off any chill that might come from the weather and replaced it with the glow that came with love.

Their wagon followed behind the surrey, and every few minutes or so Mama glanced back as though to make sure the wagon still trailed along behind. Or perhaps she was checking Ben to make sure he didn't act improperly. That thought caused a smile. He had already kissed her, and if Mama knew that, she might have apoplexy, and Papa would have broken off their relationship completely. Some things were best left hidden.

“You don't have many trees out here. It's all grass and bushes.” She had to agree with Papa that the landscape did look rather forlorn and barren. If it hadn't been for the bright spots of flowers dotted about, she could almost believe the land had been left to its own devices.

“To the north and east of us is farmland. Fences separate it from our range, but all our grazing range is to the west and south of here. You'll find trees down by the mill where our house will be. They provide some good shade as well as timber.”

“I can't wait to see it. You described it so well in your letters that I have a mental picture of what it looks like. Didn't you say the waterwheel still turns?”

“Yes, and I hope to repair and paint the mill itself so it'll be a pretty place once again.”

“I'd like that.” She breathed deeply then exhaled. “The air is so fresh and exhilarating out here. I love it already.”

He grinned down at her. Curls lay against his forehead under his pushed-back hat. She fought the desire to reach up and push them back. Instead she tucked her hand under his arm and leaned against his shoulder. How good it was to be so near to him again. The two weeks ahead were going to be the best she'd ever had.