Emma's Dream

by Kimberly Grist

Dear God,

  Pa went to work on the railroad again. I am sad…

  Emma placed her hand on the beautiful mahogany dining table, protected by an exquisite lace tablecloth. Rebecca’s father had placed wooden boxes on the tulip-style dining chairs for the girls, so they could better reach the table. “Now we can all eat together as a family,” he said.

  Grace had been unable to eat at first for fear of spilling something. Mr. Mueller tied a large napkin around each girl’s neck to protect their dresses. “There now, you are not to worry about this tablecloth. It is meant to be used. Besides, my housekeeper is a master of removing stains. She has much practice from Charlie and Mark.”

  “Oh, Pa.” Charlie’s face turned pink.

  “You boys can’t take all the blame. I’m afraid I’ve made my share of spills as well.” Rebecca’s stepbrother ruffled his younger brother’s hair.

  Dinner was sauerbraten, a savory German pot roast, potato dumplings, and glazed butter carrots. Emma patted her stomach, “Dinner was delicious.”

  Rebecca disappeared into the kitchen as Mr. Mueller stood. “Today is a special day for a beautiful young lady, wonderful business woman, loving aunt and best friend to my daughter. May the Lord bestow you with good health and open up the heavens and rain down His blessings upon you for many years to come.”

  “Happy Birthday, Emma,” Rebecca said as she placed an eight-layer chocolate cake with nineteen candles ablaze in front of her.

  Feeling her face grow warm, Emma placed her hand to her cheeks. “You made my favorite. Thank you.”

  “Sadie and I helped, didn’t we, Rebecca?” Grace said.

  “Yes, they were excellent helpers.” Rebecca moved to stand behind Emma.

  “Come on, blow out the candles,” Rebecca’s brother, Charlie, grumbled.

  “Don’t forget to make a wish,” Sadie reminded her. ”But don’t tell anyone what you wished or it won’t come true.”

  Emma blew out the candles to a round of applause. Everyone had gone out of their way to make her day special. For a moment she recalled this same day last year. She felt for her locket and smiled. It had been her mother’s, and as a young child, she had taken it without permission. While playing, the chain broke and the locket was lost. Days later, Seth and Scotty found the locket near the fishing pond.

  Her pa promised to have it repaired and buy a new chain. “But you are going to have to wait until you grown up and are a little less likely to be running around like the house is on fire.” He had given it to her last year on her eighteenth birthday. She blinked rapidly. For a moment she wished to be home with Pa, Seth, and Molly. Maybe Scotty is back by now.

  “Did you make a wish? Aren’t you going to eat your cake?” Sadie appeared by her side, interrupting her thoughts.

  I will not allow myself to become melancholy. Emma took a bite of her cake. She closed her eyes savoring the sweetness. “Rebecca, you outdid yourself. This is delicious.”

  “Grace and I helped.” Sadie hopped up and down.

  “We know, we know already.” Charlie placed his hand on his head.

  “Sit down and finish your cake, Sadie. Emma hasn’t opened her present yet,” Sam said.

  Sadie squealed, then skipped back to her chair. “I can’t wait to see.”

  Charlie leaned closer to Sadie. “Why are you always squealing?”

  “I’m not always squealing, just when I feel like it. Something just comes over me.” Sadie picked up her fork and took a big bite of cake.

  Charles Mueller cleared his throat. “Enough, Charlie. You are to be polite to our guest.”

  “Yes, Pa.” Charlie frowned at his empty plate.

  “Why don’t you get Emma’s present from the kitchen, then ask your sister nicely for another piece of cake?”

  Charlie’s face brightened. He immediately disappeared and returned quickly wearing a wide grin. “Happy Birthday, Emma. We didn’t help make the cake, but Mark and I helped Pa and Rebecca pick this out.” Charlie unceremoniously dropped a large box tied with a bow in her lap.

  “Thank you, Charlie.” Emma was surprised at the weight of the box. She untied the bow, lifted the lid, then covered her lips with her fingertips. “It’s beautiful.”

  “It’s just like ours.” Sadie ran over to Emma’s chair.

  Emma stood and held out a beautiful riding ensemble. She had so admired the riding wardrobe created by Mr. Mueller’s business partner for the twins, but she never expected to own such an outfit herself.

  The material was a rich chestnut-oak suede. The split skirt was made with a slight flair, side pockets, and front flap opening, which allowed easy movement for riding or walking. Pewter buttons highlighted the matching riding vest. Emma swallowed. “Thank you so much. I am touched you went to all this trouble for me.”

  “Nonsense, I was happy to do it. Nothing makes me happier than helping someone start a new business unless it is surprising someone with a present.” He smiled at Emma, then at Rebecca.

  “When Papa saw how much you admired the girls’ outfits as well as the samples in the new shop, he ordered you one on the spot. Since I have all your measurements, we were able to keep it a surprise.” Rebecca beamed.

  “This is definitely a wonderful surprise.” Emma smoothed her hand across the rich reddish-brown fabric.

  Sam grinned. “Now you have the perfect outfit to wear in your role overseeing the ranch’s breeding program.”

  Chapter 20

  November 5, 1877

  Dear God,

  Uncle Horace says You hear our prayers, but sometimes you don’t answer right away. Why not? Are you that busy?

  Three days later, Rebecca and her father waited at the station with Emma. Sam and the girls were on the same train which would also transport their two Hereford bulls. Her brother Seth and several ranch hands would meet them to drive the livestock to their separate pastures.

  Emma unfolded the letter from her father announcing the birth of her new brother and sister. “It’s hard to believe I am a sister to two tiny babies. I can’t wait to see them.”

  “It is such a relief to know everyone is doing well. This is going to be a wonderful reunion.” Rebecca smiled and squeezed Sam’s hand. “I hope Scotty will be back for our wedding.”

  Emma frowned. “The only communication I’ve had with him in more than a month was the postcard I showed you. It only said he hoped to be home in a few weeks.”

  “It was certainly cryptic, but not a matter of grave concern. After all, from the date on the postcard, he could arrive any day.” Rebecca smiled encouragingly.

  Sadie gasped. “What’s cryptic? Whose grave concern?”

  “She just means it was short and to the point,” Sam answered.

  “Why didn’t you just say that then? You about scared me to death.” Sadie crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Why would that scare you?” Emma asked.

  Grace rolled her eyes. “Sadie and Charlie were telling ghost stories. But she hasn’t been the same since he read us, ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.’”

  Emma stifled a smile with her hand. For a moment everyone was still before spontaneously breaking into laughter. Rebecca recovered first. “Sadie, the story is a work of fiction meant to entertain. It’s isn’t something to worry about because it could never really happen.”

  Sam reached out his arms and drew Sadie into his lap. “If I recall correctly, that Ichabod fellow was a silly character who believed in all kinds of superstitions. So much so he let a bully terrify him with a jack-o’-lantern. Now, what’s scary about a pumpkin?”

  Sadie giggled. “Nothing.”

  “Grandma Tennie tells us all kinds of superstitions. She makes us laugh.” Grace said.

  “What kind of things has Grandma told you?” Rebecca asked.

  “Mostly we’ve been asking her what to do to make Scotty marry Emma,” Sadie said.

  Emma’s cheeks burned. “Oh, for goodness sakes.”

  “This I must hear. What does Gra
ndma say Emma must do?” Charles leaned forward, placing his hand on his knee.

  “She doesn’t have to do anything.” Sadie smiled triumphantly. “Two people have to pick up a spoon at the same time at dinner. But it can’t be on purpose. A white bird has to fly over the house…Stuff like that.”

  “We tried to find a four-leaf clover, but Pa said a three-leaf was better ’cause it reminds us of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

  “Very true and good advice from your papa.” Charles winked. “Emma, if you would like to marry this man, perhaps we should come up with a plan to implement at the wedding dinner. There will be plenty of spoons ready-and-willing during that meal.”

  Emma crossed her arms and tried to keep a straight face before surrendering to mirth.

  ***

  Placing a finger in the hand of her newborn sister, Emma smiled as the baby grasped hold. “Your mama will be angry if we wake up our brother,” she whispered as she settled her back in the cradle next to her twin. Peals of laughter came from the kitchen. Molly was doing well, and her new siblings were thriving. It was good to have her back on her feet.

  “I’ll keep an eye on the babies. You go ahead and do what needs doing.” Molly’s father, whom they affectionately called Pawpaw, gave her a wink. “I’ve kept a watch over quite a few youngins in my day.”

  Emma grabbed her hat and walked through the kitchen toward the back door. “The babies are still asleep. But your father is sitting with them. I’m going to go and meet Pa and Seth out on the north pasture.”

  “Don’t you look pretty in your new riding outfit.” Emma smiled.

  “Your papa gave Emma his lucky feather to put in her hat.” Tennessee glanced up from snapping beans. “Looks nice with your new get-up.”

  Molly gasped. “Do you know how many years it took me before he let me have one of his feathers? I was sixteen years old; I remember it like it was yesterday.”

  Tennessee wagged her finger. “Don’t be silly. He gave you his feathers over and over, and you would immediately lose them.”

  Molly grinned. “True, but he is very particular about his feathers. He has quite the collection and a story to go with each one.”

  Touching her hat, Emma laughed. “He said he chased a peacock for a mile before she finally lost a feather.”

  “More probable would be, he took one from Mama’s hats.” Emma shook her head.

  Tennessee nodded. “There’s no telling. I really don’t care for feathers myself.”

  “Dinner will be ready in about an hour or so.” Molly patted her back. “But we’ll hold off until we see y’all coming.”

  Pa was standing at the gate grinning ear to ear at Emma’s approach. “These are as fine a specimen as I’ve seen, even at the stock shows. You made excellent choices. I’m proud of you, gal.” Her father laid a kiss on top of her head. “Of course, that goes without saying most days.”

  Watching for signs of aggression, Emma held her breath as Seth turned the nine-month-old bull into the cowherd. He remained on his horse at a safe distance before nodding in satisfaction and returning toward the gate. “Thanks, Pa. Although I had plenty of help choosing, I did enjoy the visit and learned quite a bit as well.”

  “Sam said the same thing. I’m glad you were treated well.” Her father squeezed her hand. “I know you’ve got to be worried about Scotty. Do you want to talk about it?”

  Emma leaned her head on her father’s shoulder for a moment. “There is really nothing to do but wait. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried. I pray he is well, but at the same time, I’m a little angry he hasn’t done more than send one postcard.”

  “Knowing Scotty, he’ll have a good explanation. Can’t blame you for having a burr in your saddle, though.” He planted another kiss on top of her head. “Let me open the gate for your brother.”

  “That went off without a hitch.” Emma helped secure the gate. “It almost feels anticlimactic.”

  Taking his bandana off his neck, Pa wiped his face. “Let’s get on back to the house. I’m sure supper will be waiting. I know your brother has got to be starving.” Adam patted Seth on his thigh and wrapped his arm around Emma. “Things went well, nice and quiet. Let’s just hope it’s not the calm before the storm.”

  Chapter 21

  November 1, 1884

  Dear God,

  It’s been a long time since I have written to you. Pa’s brother’s wife died. He and his girls have come to live with us. Pa is excited. He says his brother will be a lot of help. I’m sorry if this seems uncharitable, but his daughters are so spoiled.

  It was a beautiful day, and preparations were in full swing for Rebecca’s and Sam’s wedding and reception, which was to be held in town at the hotel. Grandma Tennie was hard at work icing the cake and Rebecca’s father was overseeing the meat to be grilled on a pit. “It will be good practice, as we will do it again soon for your wedding. I have a team of experts standing ready with spoons,” Mr. Mueller teased.

  Seth had driven her into town early so she could spend the entire day with Rebecca in preparation for the wedding. Rebecca opened the door of her hotel room and ushered Emma in with a smile. “I’m so excited to see you. Lois is waiting for us at her shop. Once she makes the necessary alterations, we’re going to have lunch at the hotel.”

  As they crossed the street to the dress shop, Emma turned toward the train platform and scanned the area. “Later why don’t we check to see if there are any trains scheduled to arrive today?” Rebecca offered.

  She stopped for a moment and stared at the station. “No, I think it best if I keep my mind occupied on other things. Besides we’ve not had a day set aside where we can just have fun since we were children. Let’s make the most of it.”

  Lois dragged Emma into a hug as soon as she entered her shop. “I can’t wait to show you your gown.” Lois gave her another squeeze, then took her by the hand to the changing area.

  The window cast light onto a room in complete disarray. The Singer sewing machine held a work in progress. A work table held stacks of muslin, linen, and calico. Emma stopped in her tracks as she caught sight of a mannequin outfitted in a three-quarter sleeve day dress. The underskirt was a solid plum color with extensive ruching and pleating, combined with a matching silk brocade overskirt and bodice.

  Lois smiled. “What do you think?”

  Emma gasped. “It’s the most beautiful design I have ever seen.”

  “Which is what we were hoping you’d say. The girls are going to wear a complementary rusty rose, which they insist is pink.” Rebecca lifted a small silk-and-lace dress and held it up against the mannequin.

  “What are we waiting for?” Lois asked. “Let’s make sure it fits.”

  ***

  Emma admired the color of the bluish-purple fabric in the full-length mirror. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a gown this color. It’s beautiful.”

  Lois’s and Rebecca’s reflections smiled in response. A tap on the door interrupted them. “Didn’t you put up the closed sign?” Rebecca asked.

  “Yes,” Lois's face turned pink. “I’d better go see who it is. You two stay here. I won’t be a minute.” Lois closed the door behind her.

  Rebecca tapped her finger on her chin, then grinned. “Did you notice how pink her cheeks turned? My guess is whoever’s at the door is one of her suitors.”

  “Obviously I am missing something. Suitors? I knew the bank owner was calling on her,” Emma said.

  Rebecca pulled the shade up and leaned out the window. “Hold my feet.”

  “What in the world do you think you’re doing?” Emma pulled her friend back into the room.

  “I want to see if there’s a horse tied up in front of the shop.” Rebecca grinned. “If it’s a buggy, the caller is the bank owner.”

  Emma raised her eyebrows. “And who would the horse owner be?”

  Rebecca put a finger to her lips, then whispered. “Daniel Lawrence.”

  Emma cocked her head to the
side. “I thought they broke things off last year.”

  “So, did I. But Lois mentioned him at least three times yesterday. Each time she turned red as a strawberry in the month of May.” Rebecca walked over to the door. “I’m going to look through the keyhole.”

  Emma giggled. “You are as bad as Sadie and Grace.”

  Rebecca kneeled in front of the doorknob and peered through the keyhole. “Hmmmm. All I see is the back of Lois’s dress.”

  “Can you hear anything?” Emma stepped closer.

  “With only one good ear, I’m fortunate to understand a conversation when I’m in the same room with a person.” Rebecca sighed, then lifted her hand for assistance. “Take my place.”

  “I don’t know why I let you talk me into these things.” Emma bent down and tried to get a better viewpoint. Springing to her feet, she squeaked, “Here she comes.”

  Rebecca pulled her back toward the mirror. “Act as though nothing happened.”

  Lois entered the room. “Sorry about the interruption. Now, where were we?”

  ***

  Emma sank into an upholstered chair in Rebecca’s hotel room and watched as Lois rearranged curls to frame her face. “I love the change you made in your hairstyle. It is so becoming.”

  “I was constantly pushing stray locks of hair behind my ears as I worked. When I saw this style in a fashion magazine, I decided it was worth a try. It was necessary to trim the hair around my face, which I admit was a bit frightening.” Lois smiled.

  Emma joined Lois at the mirror and studied her reflection. Her hairstyle was pulled into an ornate braided bun with a center part. She bit her lip. “Do you think my hair would hold a curl if we were to cut it?”

  “I sure do.” Lois reached into her bag for a pair of scissors. “Why don’t we start with just a few on each side of your face and see how you like it?”

  Nodding, Emma replied. “Go ahead, quick before I change my mind.”

  Lois pulled several thick strands from their confinement with a comb. Spinning Emma toward the mirror, she explained how she would taper the cut around her face. Within a few minutes, she was finished.