Amelia's Journey

by Martha Rogers

  Matt propped his foot on the bottom railing of the corral and leaned his arms on the upper one. The week had been busy with checking the herds. Pa had put his two new bulls in with the heifers and half-heifers, one in the north pasture and one in the south. He hoped for a great number of calves in the spring, which would mean long days of roping and branding.

  Ben stared out across the prairie behind the barn and stables. The squawking of the hens getting ready to roost for the night coupled with the gentle nickering of the horse now eating out of Ben’s hand brought peace to his soul.

  He reached up and ran his fingers through the stallion’s mane. Black Devil once lived up to his name, but now he wore a bridle and saddle as if he’d been born with them. Ben had shortened the name to Blackie after the young horse had been saddle broken. That had given Ben a few bruises last year.

  “Guess it’s time to get you brushed and ready for the night. The chickens know when it’s time, so we’ll follow their lead.” He entered the corral and guided the horse to his stall. Ben picked up a stiff bristled brush and began brushing sand and dust from Blackie’s hide with short, brisk strokes.

  As he brushed, Ben imagined Amelia on a horse by his side. Riding across the range was most likely not the number one thought in her mind tonight. Ma had received a letter from Mary Beth yesterday, and tonight was the first dinner party of the social season. Mary Beth had named her escort but not Amelia’s, which led to Ben’s imagination running wild.

  What if she met some handsome young man who swept her off her feet? Would she even remember or think about the cowboy who had visited a few weeks ago? As pretty and spirited as she was, Amelia would have all the young men vying for her attention, and that would most likely boot him out of her mind completely.

  Straw shuffled, and he turned to find Clara behind him. Here on the ranch, he called her Clara. Being called aunt by someone only fourteen years younger had made her feel like an old woman, so he had stopped at her request.

  She smiled now and shoveled up a few oats with her hand then held it out to Blackie. “I saw you leave after supper. I’m thinking you have a pretty little Boston gal on your mind about now.”

  Nothing got by Clara, and she didn’t hesitate to say what she was thinking. “You’d be right.” He continued brushing Blackie’s coat. “Mary Beth’s letter said tonight was a dinner party at somebody’s named Killingsworth. I was thinking about how she and Amelia must be the prettiest girls there.”

  “No doubt about that. I remember the Killingsworth family. Isabella is the youngest girl. She has two older sisters and a brother. One sister is my age, and we were presented the same year.”

  Ben laid the brush aside and picked another one to smooth out Blackie’s mane. He’d picked up quite a bit of dust and dirt out on the range today. His hand paused over the horse’s neck. “Clara, what was it like when you went through all this business of being presented to society?”

  She didn’t answer right away, and a faraway look veiled her eyes. A slight smile curved her lips before she breathed deeply and sighed. “It was a wonderful time. Of course we’d heard rumors that a war might begin with the South, but that was of very little concern to us girls.”

  “Was Tom your escort for all the events?” He had met Tom Hamilton, but it had been when Ben was just a child, and he didn’t remember much about the man.

  “No, only for the presentation cotillion. He was an upperclassman at West Point training to be an officer. He was able to come only for the last affair, and that’s where I most wanted him to be.”

  From what he’d heard, his aunt had been very much in love with Tom. He hoped that wouldn’t happen with Amelia and one of her escorts. “I wonder who Mary Beth will choose for her cotillion.”

  Clara laughed and shook her head. “Of course your wondering would include Amelia. You needn’t worry too much. From what I gathered listening to your mother and my mother talking, the young ladies far outnumber the young men, so she may very well be escorted by her own father and Mary Beth by her grandpapa.”

  Relief flooded his heart. Now that he could handle without any problem, but the idea of any young man claiming all of Amelia’s attention sent pangs of jealousy through his soul. He finished grooming Blackie and put away the equipment. There was one more thing he wanted to learn from Clara.

  He gazed at her now. Because of their closeness in age, she was more like a sister than an aunt, but he knew very little about why she had come west with his family. Even now he saw the beauty that had made her a sought-after young woman. He’d heard rumors and stories about why she was still single, but never from her.

  “Clara, I’m not being nosy, but since we talked about Tom, can you tell me what happened?”

  Her eyes opened wide and then misted over. “You were just a little one when the war started. Tom and I planned our wedding to take place when he graduated from West Point and had it all set for the summer of 1861. Then everything went to pieces.” She stopped and blinked her eyes. “I’m sorry, Ben, I haven’t talked about this since that horrible summer. That spring states in the South seceded, and then Fort Sumter was fired upon. All the young men due to graduate received their commissions and went right into the army that summer in June. We thought he’d be home and the war would be over by the end of summer, so we went ahead with our plans.”

  Again her eyes took on that look. Ben could almost see the memories flashing there. She swallowed hard. “Tom was killed in the battle of Bull Run that July.”

  Ben took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m so sorry, Clara. I shouldn’t have asked and brought up such a painful memory.”

  She pressed his hand in reply. “It’s OK. I think I needed to talk about it. After the first few weeks or maybe a month, no one ever mentioned it again. It was as though Tom had never existed.”

  “But why didn’t you marry later?”

  She stepped back and swiped at her cheeks with her fingers. “I loved Tom with all my heart, and it broke into a million pieces when I received the news of his death. Then with the war lasting another four years, I didn’t want to take a chance and lose someone else.”

  Ben gazed at her. “You’re amazing, Clara Haynes, and I’m so thankful you didn’t become bitter and resentful.”

  “Thank you. Only the grace of our Lord saw me through that painful time. I learned then that I could never get along without His help.”

  She hooked her hand over his elbow. “I have one piece of advice for you. If you truly love Amelia, let her have her season, and then go after her with everything you have. Life is too short not to be lived to the fullest, and if she’s God’s choice for you, nothing will stop you from being together. You may hit a few snags along the way, but if it’s God’s will for it to be, it will be.”

  No wonder he respected his aunt so much. Her wisdom never ceased to amaze him. After her great loss, she still gave God glory and followed His will for her life. With that legacy before him, he could do no less than be obedient to God’s calling, but he prayed that Amelia would be the one for his future.

  Chapter 7

  Butterflies played havoc with Amelia’s insides. Tonight on this September 15, her parents were hosting a dinner party in honor of her eighteenth birthday. If it hadn’t been for Mary Beth, this event would be as miserable as the rest of them had been. She much preferred Amanda’s coming-out parties two years ago. Then Amelia had no worries about escorts or impressing young men.

  Maeleen stepped back from arranging Amelia’s hair. “There, ye will be the most beautiful young woman at the dinner. I think the yellow is even more becoming to ye than the blue.”

  “Thank you, but you know I’d much rather be doing something else.” She fingered the folds of satin fabric draped into the skirt. “Don’t you think all this is a huge waste of money? Think of all the good that could be done with what is wasted on this frivolity.”

  Maeleen ducked her head. “‘Tis not for me to say, miss. Ye parents pay me a good wage, and ‘ti
s satisfied with that I am.”

  Of course she would think that way. None of the servants would ever criticize those who paid the wages. If only she could trade places with Maeleen tonight.

  Maeleen left the room, and Amelia finished her preparations for the evening. The clock on the stairway landing chimed eight times. Guests would begin arriving any moment. She gave one last glance in the mirror and headed down to face those who would attend tonight’s dinner.

  Mary Beth arrived with her grandparents at the same time Amelia stepped into the foyer. She grasped her friend’s hands. “I’m so glad you’re early. We’ll have a few minutes to ourselves before the others arrive.”

  Mary Beth handed her wrap to the butler and followed Amelia to the door of the drawing room, which had been cleared of its regular furniture and arranged for the party. “Happy birthday, and I do have some good news that might make your day even better. I had a post from Ma this morning, and she plans to be here for our cotillion in two weeks.” She paused for effect, and her eyes danced with merriment.

  Amelia’s heart soared. “And?”

  “Ben will be coming with her.”

  Amelia squealed and clapped her hands. What a perfect birthday present! Then she stopped and rearranged her features. Mustn’t let Mama and Papa see her excitement at the fact Ben would be coming back to Boston. For the first time, true joy filled her, and she was glad now that she and Mary Beth would be presented together.

  More guests entered the drawing room, and Amelia now accepted her role as hostess with more graciousness than she would have an hour earlier. Her escort for the evening, Philip Barlow, approached her.

  “Good evening, Miss Carlyle. Your home is lovely as you and Miss Haynes are.” He smiled and bowed slightly at the waist. “It must be your birthday that puts the extra sparkle in your eyes tonight.”

  Amelia smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Barlow.” She’d never let on that the sparkle came from thoughts of another young man. She’d play her part tonight, and play it well.

  More guests arrived, as did Mary Beth’s escort. When Andrew Farnsworth greeted her, his eyes filled with admiration, and he bowed to kiss her hand. In her emerald satin dress, Mary Beth was quite striking. More than one man would think her lovely tonight, and that’s the way Amelia wanted it to be for her friend. Better for all the attention to be on Mary Beth.

  Amelia turned to Philip. “How nice that the weather has cooperated so we could enjoy a beautiful evening.”

  “Yes. The mild temperatures have been quite pleasant.” He grinned and held out his hand. “May I see your dance card?”

  She handed it to him. “As you can see your name is filled in for the first and last sets.” He’d want more, and she would gladly welcome his name in the blank spaces, for he was one of the best partners in their group. She’d considered asking him to be her escort for the cotillion, but since Ben would be present as Mary Beth’s, Amelia opted for asking her father to escort her for the presentation. That would give him great pleasure and keep her free for more time with Ben. The next two weeks would be the longest of her life.

  Dinner was announced, and Philip offered his arm to escort her to the dining room. Mama had gone to great lengths to make sure the table would be one of the most beautiful of the season. Red, cream, and pale pink roses filled sterling silver epergnes placed a few feet apart on table. Candelabras holding six white candles each filled the spaces between the flowers. Crystal and silver gleamed in the light of the gas-lit chandelier hanging above. Name cards in silver holders indicated where each guest would sit. Amelia had peeked earlier and made sure Mary Beth would be next to her and Philip.

  As the servants served the meal, Amelia’s heart swelled with pride that her parents went to so much time and expense to honor her with this dinner. She’d have to put away all thoughts of the waste and honor them with her most proper behavior this evening. However, even a handsome escort and opulent surroundings would not keep her mind from straying to thoughts of a young man coming soon from Kansas.

  Ben pulled his jacket closed and buttoned it up under his chin to ward off the night chill. The first cold front of the season had blown in today somewhat earlier than usual. Clear and cold with stars dotting the inky sky like spilled sugar, the night wrapped itself around him. Moonlight shone down to give him enough light to see his surroundings.

  According to Mary Beth’s letter, tonight was the dinner party at the Carlyle home to celebrate Amelia’s birthday. How he would like to be there to wish her happiness. He had no idea what he could present her as a gift, but if he was in Boston, he’d surely think of something special.

  Despite Aunt Clara’s words of encouragement, he had begun to doubt his ability to compete with the wealthy young men of Boston. He couldn’t give her all the possessions and social standing her family now afforded her.

  He’d been educated here at Kansas University in Lawrence, but it did not hold the prestige of Harvard, where many of the young men of the Boston elite sought their education. Still, he had land and opportunity to offer Amelia if he could entice her away from the life she knew in Boston.

  Riding at night like this with the wind whispering through the prairie grass and the lonely howl of the coyote off in the distance gave peace to his soul. The sounds and smells gave testimony to God’s great handiwork in nature. The grass beneath Blackie’s feet crackled from lack of moisture and reminded Ben of the need for a good thunderstorm. He sniffed the night air but found no comforting scent of rain, and the clouds now beginning to float across the moon gave no sign they held moisture.

  Not too far away he spotted the herd as the cattle settled down for the night. Rustling in the grass and thumps as steer hit ground were music to his ears. All was calm and in good shape. Come spring, new calves would increase the herd and bring new life. He loved spring that brought newness to all of God’s creation.

  Most people would consider this a lonely place, but with the cattle, the coyotes, the winds through the grass, his thoughts of Amelia, and all the stars, he could no more feel alone than if he were in a room full of people. Of course if Amelia were beside him, it would be all the better.

  A noise behind him and the nickering of his horse caused him to turn in his saddle. Zeke, the ranch foreman, rode up beside him.

  “I saw your horse gone from the stables and figured you’d come out here. You like the beauty and quiet of the night as much as I do.”

  “You’re right, I do. Something about it gives me great peace.”

  “Me too. When I’m out here, I wonder how anyone could not believe in God.” He pointed upward. “No one can ever tell me those bright stars just happened into space, or the moon or the sun just happened to be where they needed to be to give us light and life.”

  Being a Christian made all the difference in Zeke’s attitude. When he’d first come to the ranch, he hadn’t been a believer, but working around Pa and Ma, you either became one, or you moved away in a hurry. Most usually stayed and became strong in their faith. That was Pa’s way.

  Ben stretched out his hand. “I found a piece of land over behind those rocks down by the old mill. I want to build a house there and bring home a bride. Pa says he’ll give me a share in the ranch when I turn twenty next year.”

  “That’s good. You work as hard around here as any of our hands. You’ll be a good rancher. Got anybody in mind for that house you want to build?”

  “Matter of fact I do, but it’s gonna take a heap of praying to get her to leave her home in Boston and come out here. Ma did it, but she and Pa were already married and had a family when they came.”

  “Is that Mary Beth’s friend?”

  “One and the same. Ma sent a letter last week telling Mary Beth we’d be attending her coming-out party. Pa won’t leave, so I’m going with Ma.” He had already started counting the days until he’d be back in Boston. The trip couldn’t come soon enough.

  The wind picked up and send a bone-chilling gust their way. Ben pulled
his hat tighter on his head. “Getting colder out here. I think it’s time to get on back to the house. I hope Ma left some coffee on the stove, and a piece of her berry pie will taste good. Care to join me?” He turned his horse back toward home.

  “Don’t mind if I do. Your ma’s pie is about the best around these parts.” Zeke followed alongside Ben.

  About half a mile from the house, Ben spurred his horse. “Race you to the stables.” Blackie took off like a streak of lightning, leaving Zeke to try and catch up.

  After a cup of hot coffee to ward off the chill and a piece of pie to fill his belly, Ben would spend the rest of the night with sweet dreams about a brown-eyed girl with curls in her hair.

  Isaac laid his robe across a chair and strode to the bed where Lenora already lay. She was just as pretty now with her lacy nightcap on and the covers pulled up over her chest as she was when he’d first seen her almost twenty-five years ago.

  He sat on the edge of the bed. “I think tonight went very well. Both Mary Beth and Amelia were quite lovely in their gowns, and their dance cards were full. Amelia appeared to be enjoying the evening more tonight than I’ve seen at other events.” He reached over and grasped her hand. “You did a wonderful job with the menu and decorations. The house looked beautiful.”

  Lenora sighed and shook her head. “Thank you, but I’m wondering if part of Amelia’s joy was because Mary Beth told her of Ben’s coming to the cotillion. Mrs. Haynes said she’d heard from Elizabeth and that she and Ben planned to arrive on Thursday of that week.”

  “Mr. Haynes told me the same. He seemed to be quite pleased to have his grandson coming back. Ben is to be Mary Beth’s escort.” With such a shortage of eligible young men, that was probably a wise choice for her. Amelia hadn’t said anything yet about who would accompany her, but he hoped it would be Philip Barlow.

  “Amelia must make her decision for an escort very soon, or there will be no young men left.”