The Gold Miner's Wife: A Young Woman's Story of Romance, Passion and Murder by Amethyst Creek Read Free Book Online Page B

emboldened to be more daring than usual.  At a leap year social, the ladies escort their gentlemen, not the other way around,” was her response.  “You will learn more tomorrow night.”
                  “Women just don’t act like women anymore, do they?” Mansfield observed dryly.
                  “You had best get into the spirit of the thing, Mansfield,” Mr. Gibson wisely advised, “lest you end up a lonely wallflower.” 
                  “Besides, haven’t we all agreed that the world is changing,” said Mrs. Gibson.
                  “I am very much looking forward to your leap year social,” said Charlotte.  “It will be my first opportunity to ask a gentleman to dance,” she cooed, as she gazed at Jack Simmons.  “What would you have to say if I asked you to dance, Mr. Simmons?” she boldly asked. 
    “I suppose in the spirit of the festivities, I would say yes,” he told her.  For him, tomorrow evening’s dance seemed a grim prospect indeed.  Why did he feel like it was to be a hunt and he was the prey?  That Caroline Mansfield asked question after question was not his idea of conversation; it was simply annoying.
                  “It is an evening not to be missed,” agreed Evelyn.  “John Routt will be there and as you know he is to be our governor.”
                  “You must sign his dance card as soon as he arrives, Evelyn,” advised Mrs. Purfield.  “If you shillyshally, his dance card will be filled.” 
                  The cherry cordials were served and the gentlemen passed around cigars.  “I would be interested in visiting this mine of yours that I have heard so much about,” Edward blurted out.
                  “I would not advise…” Jack started to say, when Susannah looked at him and raised a brow.  Edward’s expression remained carefully bland.  Then Thomas jumped in.  “Yes! Of course,” he said obligingly.  “We must return to the mine in a few days.  The work we have to attend to will keep us there for several days more.  Come to the mine and have a look around.  You may take the train back to Denver again after you have toured the operation.”
                  “I look forward to it,” said Edward enthusiastically.
                  “It is not glamorous,” Jack said brusquely, as if to defend himself.  The mountains and forests were a place of risk, hard labor and exertion.  It was not to be mistaken for an attraction at the Philadelphia Exhibition.  But Susannah frowned.  Why was Jack trying to discourage her friend from visiting the mine, she wondered?  Jack reminded himself that this man was Susannah’s friend.  Perhaps he was barking up the wrong tree by not being more hospitable.
                  “It is settled then,” she affirmed with confidence.  Mansfield smiled appreciatively, knowing who had won that round.  “The timing of your outing could not be more perfect, as we ladies also have an activity planned.”
                  “What are you up to, my love?” Thomas asked.
                  “Ella and I would like the rest of you ladies to join us for the dedication of the new park on Sixteenth Street.  It is to be held three days hence.  Ella and I are members of the Ladies Aide Society and this park has been one of our projects,” Susannah explained.
                  “Yes,” Ella added, “The parcel of land was donated by some helpful landowners.  Our organization purchased the saplings which were planted in March.”
                  “What a wonderful idea,” Charlotte said enthusiastically.  “What kinds of trees did you plant?” was yet another question she had. 
                  “We think the park will be quite something when the trees mature.  There are spruce and pine, walnut and apple along with cottonwood