Amelia's Journey by Martha Rogers Read Free Book Online

lips. “I never thought of it like that, but we are presenting her to eligible young men to see if they might choose her for their bride.” Of course Isaac would never see it that way, but she had an inkling of how Amelia felt as she had experienced her own introduction to society.
    â€œThat’s the way it’s done. And some of us are fortunate enough to find young women we truly love as I did with you and as Charles has done with Amanda.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek. “If nothing else, we know that our Amelia will keep us guessing, but I’m sure in the end she’ll find a young man who suits her tastes.”
    Lenora reached up to press his hand against her shoulder. “I do pray that will happen. She’s such a special young woman, and God is sure to have great plans for her in the days ahead. I only hope she’ll listen to what He tells her and not what she wants.” She anticipated many more talks with her self-willed daughter in the weeks ahead, but Amelia was a smart young woman, so perhaps it wouldn’t take long for her to settle into the routine expected of her.
    â€œHave faith. Everything will work out for the best.” He squeezed her hand. “Now, I must be getting about my business.”
    He left the room and headed downstairs. Lenora picked up her pen to continue with the invitations for a luncheon planned for several weeks from now. So many of her friends now had daughters the age of Amelia, and all of them looked forward to the coming season with much enthusiasm. Being around them and talking about what they would wear, who would be on the dance cards, and who was the best hostess should help Amelia to be more excited about her role.
    Lenora’s thoughts clouded. She didn’t want to completely squelch Amelia’s spirit, but somehow it would have to be bridled in the weeks ahead, or they would all be in for a most trying social season.

    Ben stepped off the train, very happy to see the dark yellow and brown depot in Sweetwater Springs. Home at last. He breathed deeply only to start coughing from the soot in the air.
    Gideon laughed and slapped him on the back. “Wait until we get away from town before you start trying to breathe fresh air.”
    â€œYeah, I have to remember that. I was just so glad to get off that stuffy train, and I’ll be even happier when I can change out of these clothes.” He reached up to remove his tie and unbutton the top two buttons of his shirt.
    â€œI can’t wait either. It’s too hot for so much clothing, but Ma insists we look halfway decent. Not that I see it matters any.” He followed Ben’s example and tugged off his tie.
    Ben waved toward the luggage piling up on the platform. “Let’s go get our things and help Pa get it loaded into the wagons.”
    The foreman of their ranch, Zeke Stone, and Steve Harris, another ranch hand, had brought two wagons to take the family the rest of the way to the ranch. Ben strode to the pile and picked up two bags and carried them to the first wagon. “I’m sure glad to see you. It would’ve been hard to wait for you in this heat.”
    Zeke removed his hat and wiped perspiration from his brow. “It’s a killer, that’s for sure, and here it is September.” He glanced around. “It’s good your pa had you wear your western hats. It’ll help shade your eyes against this sun.”
    Ben gazed up at the cloudless sky. From the looks of the dust covering everything around, rain was still badly needed. He removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. By the time he finished loading the wagon and sat Billy up on one of the bags, sweat drenched his back. Ma and Pa would drive one wagon with Zeke and Steve on the other one. He climbed up behind the ranch hands, and Gideon joined him. That left Grace Ann and Billy to ride with Ma and Pa.
    Getting back to Sweetwater Springs, Kansas, meant getting back to