THE PATH TO A PROMISE Chapters 17 & 18

 

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN 

Olive’s spirits soared when she received a letter from Lizzie. She ran to the house anticipating what it said. Tearing the envelope open, she pulled money and a sheet of paper free. Her eyes scanned the words written on the page. What news did Sister have? Was she having fun in the city? Olive was sure Lizzie was having a ball — and she deserved it. After all Lizzie had gone through, happiness should be number one in her life now!

Her eyes scanned the page. 

August 1912

"Dear Sister, Oh, we are having fun here in this big city! I love walking down the streets and looking at all the buildings, so tall and huge! William and his brothers work at the Bullfrog Mine. We know Henry lives in an apartment on Wall Street and he works at the Junge Bakery. I have a job at the New Method Laundry. William wants me to stay here with Mary Jane. Sister, I have decided to stay because of the job. Why don't you come to Joplin — Mary Jane has plenty of room in her big house. There are jobs galore here in the city! And oh my, you’ll never guess what has happened! William asked me to marry him! And I’m going to! How is Clara Mae? Is she being a little angel? "

Olive stopped reading. Lizzie was working at the New Method Laundry on Joplin Street. She enclosed twenty dollars for her mother and father. Lizzie was having a grand old time in Joplin, that city of sin. And she was going to marry William.

How would she ever get along without her sister? Lizzie was too important to her. Olive pushed the dismay away and formed a plan. She would have to go to Joplin, too. And that would work out because she would get a job and make money. Maybe Mama and Pa would keep Peter until she was ready to take him with her.

Folding the letter, she lay it aside and thought about Lizzie. She was gone and it was all because of William Madison. Men! They were nothing but downright sneaky skunks who played with women’s hearts and broke them plumb in two. And Lizzie knew that! What was wrong with her?

Olive recognized the jealousy eating at her and she quickly asked for forgiveness for that unkind thought.

When she found her parents, she handed them the money from Lizzie, and she finished reading the letter to them.

“William’s brother, Charley, went to Cushing, Oklahoma, to the Drumright oil field. He's hoping to get a good job down there. My friend, Virginia, works at the Connor Hotel on Fourth and Main Streets. They just opened the rooftop garden, and they had a gala! An orchestra entertained guests, and the food was unbelievable. Of course, William and I attended, and the place was overflowing. They served fruit out of watermelons carved like battleships. They even included one watermelon to resemble the Titanic. In a few weeks, we will get married at the church.”

Bud and Nancy took the money, astounded to receive such an amount. Farming and working the timber kept food on the table and clothes and shoes for the family, but it did not allow much more. There was never any extravagance.

"This is good news. Lizzie is working, and she's getting married again." Nancy's voice held happiness.

"And William Madison is a good man from a good family," Bud added, rocking in his chair.

Nancy agreed. "Yes. I miss our daughter, but she's making a new life, and after what she's been through, she deserves it."

Just then, Clara, Mae, and Peter ran through the house. Both were covered with grime from their hair to their feet. Clara's curls bounced as she led the toddling two-year-old. Peter's toothy grin was ringed with dirt, and his chubby legs wobbled with uncertainty.

“What in the world?” Olive jumped up in horror.

“We’ve been playing house. We made mud pies, Aunt Olive,” Clara Mae announced. Then, to Peter, she said, “And you liked eating them, didn’t you?”

Peter nodded and grinned, the gritty dirt clung to his little teeth, making him look like a jack-o-lantern. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a giant fishing worm and dangled it toward his mother. “Wom!” His blue eyes twinkled.

Bud and Nancy roared with laughter, but Olive didn’t think it was funny. “Now you’re in for a bath, young man!”

“I think it’s time you both got new shoes,” Nancy told the two children. “Clara Mae, your mother sent us some money. We’ll go to town next week and buy you a new pair. You’ll be going to school when the term starts again.”

Clara Mae’s blue eyes lit up, and she clapped her chubby hands. Looking at Peter, she declared, “Did you hear that, Cousin? I’m going to school!”

Peter's dirty mouth pulled into a grin, and he danced precariously around the room on his unsteady, chubby feet. His cloth diaper looked full.

Olive did not laugh, nor did she smile. Embarrassment flooded her mind, and guilt stung her heart. She knew Peter needed a new pair of shoes; by fall, he would need new britches. He grew out of his clothes faster than she could keep him in them. She could not allow the money her sister had sent for Clara Mae to help pay for anything for her son. And Henry hadn't given her a dime, nor had he seen Peter since his birth. She couldn't rely on Henry for help.

She looked at the floor, shame creeping up the back of her neck. Swallowing, she made her way to the bedroom. She had to do something. She had to take responsibility for Peter and give him what he needed. She could no longer stay here with her parents and live off their generosity.

Henry’s face floated before her. Boiling over, she kicked the stool and cursed his name in silence. It was his fault. Plain and simple. He ruined her life. Now, she was left with a son to raise and provide for.

 ***

The summer went by, and on November 19, Lizzie married William Madison in the United Brethren Church in Kings Valley.

 Olive’s feelings were mixed. She was happy for Lizzie, but again she worried. What if William did to Lizzie what Henry had done to her? And Lizzie was leaving her little girl behind. She pushed the dread away and pretended to be happy.

The ceremony was small and quick. William had to return to the mine in Joplin. After the ceremony, they left Brooming County with a promise that Olive would hear from her soon.

 Joplin, Missouri

Lizzie let out a whoop of joy and smiled from ear to ear. She found a job for Olive. When Mr. Bean agreed to hire, Olive sight unseen, Lizzie promised that her sister was a hard worker and a quick learner. Olive would work as a maid at the magnificent Connor Hotel on Main Street.

Lizzie thought about her mother. Nancy taught her children to cook, clean the house, take care of the children, and perform chores around the farm. Yes, the Johnson girls had job skills. Why, if the occasion arose, they might just be able to deliver a baby!

Lizzie smiled. Her mother was known everywhere for caring for the sick and birthing babies. Whenever the doctor was unavailable, Nancy went to the homes of those who were ill or when a baby was coming. Her midwifery skills were exceptional, and most women preferred having another woman caring for them in such delicate situations.

Reminiscing about her mother made her think of Clara Mae. In a month, she would be seven years old. The last time she saw Clara at the wedding, she wore a long blonde braid that snaked down her back. She was pudgy, with a full face and little bags under her eyes. She still wore much of her baby fat, but her teeth were white and straight.

Clara Mae was a tomboy. She liked wearing pants and shirts or overalls. When questioned about wearing boys’ pants, Clara Mae quickly answered that pants made it easier to climb trees.

Lizzie smiled at the memories of her little girl. Maybe she would bring Clara Mae to live with her and William in Joplin soon. She would speak with William tonight when he came home from the mines.

For now, it was time to let Olive know the good news. If telephone wires existed down in the hills and hollows, she could pick up the receiver and make a call. But the cables hadn’t reached that part of the country yet. Lizzie sat down at the oak writing desk and pulled down the top. She glanced at the assortment of writing paper and postcards filling the pigeonholes of the desk. Mary Jane loved corresponding with family and friends and always kept a nice collection of writing materials available.

This was a joyous occasion, so Lizzie chose purple violets and a green vine framing the paper. With pen in hand, she began the letter. 

"Dear Sister, I have secured a job for you! Mary Jane said you would stay with us until you find a place. Mr. Bean offered you a maid’s job at the Conner Hotel. You can send home money to Mama and Pa to take care of Peter. William agrees that it’s the thing to do. Oh! You’ll love the city, Sister! We’ll take you to Electric Park. They have loads of events going on all the time. We can take the trolley anywhere you want to go. We can shop at Newman’s Millinery, Ramsey’s, and Chrisman's Dry Goods.

“They have the latest clothes, shoes, bags, and hats. And we’ll stop in at a drugstore. You'll think you're in heaven once you taste a soda! William is doing well in the mines. I’m still helping wash and iron clothes at the steam laundry. But I have a friend, Adeline, who is a Hello Girl for Bell Telephone Company. She will let me know when they need another girl over there. Another friend, Martha, is a nurse at St. John’s Hospital. They always need help. The possibilities of jobs are endless in the city.

William says we’ll pick you up at Union Station. We live not far from there. Let me know as soon as you can, my Dear Sister. I love you. I’m sending ten dollars to Mama and Pa. And kiss my lovely girl for me. Tell her I love her dearly and may come for her soon so she can live with us here in Joplin.”

                                                                   ***

Olive reread the letter three times and put it in her yellow day dress pocket. Taking the money, she went to tell her mother about the good news. At least to her, it was good news. How would her mother take it? And Pa, too! Joplin seemed to be a hundred miles away. In reality, it was about forty miles northwest. Good news or bad, it was an answer to her prayers. She had a job waiting for her.

She clutched the money, wishing it were hers. Pride rose as she thought of taking care of herself and Peter. She would never rely on a man again! Men were snakes in the grass waiting for a woman to mosey along so they could strike their fangs into them. Disgust for Henry Winters lay heavy in her heart.

Shaking her head and looking out across the fields and orchards, she decided to stop feeling sorry for herself. That was getting her nowhere. Life was too short to moan and groan about situations you could do nothing about. She believed God would answer her prayers, but only in His timing. She had to live life one day at a time.

Olive found her mother baking biscuits in the kitchen. Nancy Johnson was a petite woman with coal-black hair pulled tightly in a bun. Not a wisp escaped the confines of the shell hairpins. Her bony face usually wore a severe expression. Thick, heavy brows framed her eyes.

She pulled up short next to Nancy, watched her kneading the dough, and then lay the money on the counter. Heat climbed over Olive’s face. She did not want to hurt her mother, but she had to share her decision.

 “I know how we’ve felt about Joplin, but Lizzie told me enough about the town that I’ve changed my mind and I’m going to see Lizzie. Bad things happen all over the place. Shoot, bad things happen right here! And if Lizzie’s happy living in Joplin, then it can’t be too bad.” She waited for her mother’s reaction.

Nancy stayed silent. Her mouth was set in a firm line. Then she sighed. “Read the letter to me again.”

Olive read the letter, glancing now and then at her mother, trying to second-guess her thoughts. But Nancy did not indicate what she was thinking. Instead, she rolled the biscuit dough and cut circles, laying them in a greased pan.

“What you gonna do, Child?”

Olive looked around the comfortable kitchen. She would miss living here. She watched through the window as smoke curled from the chimney pipe sticking out of the roof of the smokehouse. Papa was smoking the hogs he had just butchered. Fat hens pecked at the ground over by the henhouse. She called this place home.

The pain inside her burned bright. Reality caused war within. She had to do something! She must be responsible. By going to Joplin, she would escape the hurt and pain the gossip had caused. However, the rumors were slowly dying out now. Olive looked at her mother. “Mama, I need to make money. And the only way I’ll do that is to go to Joplin. Joplin has so much more to offer.”

Nancy conceded. “If you need to follow Lizzie, then you have my blessing. But I want you to know that we are not making you go. You can stay here as long as you need to. We’ll keep Peter here like we’re keeping Clara Mae.”

“Oh, thank you, Mama! I’m praying about it all tonight. Then I’ll write Lizzie and tell her I’ll join her as soon as I can get up there.”

Her mother smiled. “Ask your Pa to check on the train schedule for Joplin when he goes to Wheatland. He can buy a ticket for you.” Nancy’s smile faded. “I have faith in you but listen to me. I expect you to live right and remember the Bible’s ways. Don’t let anyone tell you the big city is safe. We’ve heard how rough it is up there. The gambling, the liquor, and the ill repute. If you have troubles, you get your backside back here where you are safe. You understand?”

Bud was sitting on a stump close to the smokehouse door, where warmth from the fire inside helped warm his bones. He whittled on a piece of pine wood. His long legs were crossed, and his overalls rode up his legs, showing the worn brown work boots he always wore, no matter the weather.

He looked up when Olive approached. His knife stopped on the wood, and he smiled. “Time to eat? I’m hungry.” His long white mustache bobbed with his words. He tipped his hat back.

Olive always loved watching his mustache move whenever he spoke. It was a trademark. His face was usually stubbled, and a battered hat slouched upon his head. The fob of a watch hung from his breast pocket. A leather pouch with a flap lay beside him. In it was his collection of knives.

She plopped beside him on the ground and pulled the letter from her dress pocket. “Sister wrote to us again, Pa.”

“What’s she got to say this time?”

Olive read the letter, then announced, “I’m going to Joplin. Mama wants you to check the train schedule in Wheatland and buy me a ticket.”

Bud coughed and cleared his throat. He closed the knife, laying it and the wood aside. “I don’t want you to go. Your ma and me are taking care of you. Isn’t that enough?”

“But Pa,” she began. She started to say more, but he interrupted.

“Joplin’s too far away. Them miners, revenuers, and fancy gamblers make it a bad place, Olive.”

“I’ll be with Lizzie and William. And I’ll work. Just think of the money I can make!” As soon as the words slipped from her mouth, she regretted saying them.

“There’s more to life than money.”

That was precisely what she expected him to say. Olive swallowed, the lump in her throat felt like a goose egg. Here was the mountain she would have to cross to get to where she was going.

“A single woman in a big city isn’t what you think it will be. Besides, Lizzie’s married, and she has a husband to take care of her. You don’t.”

“I have to try it. If I fail, I’ll come home, I promise.” She watched his sharp look. Bud was not a man to cross. He was a woodman, and he had his way of living and that was that. He shook his gray head. I suppose there’s no arguing with you?”

“None.”

A gust of wind lifted the smoke from the chimney and twirled it around, pushing right in their faces. "Smoke follows beauty," Bud said, with an onery grin. Reaching down, he opened the leather pouch. Fiddling with the contents, he placed a folding jack knife in her hand. “Take this with you. You know how to use it. Don’t hesitate if the need arises.”

“Pa, I can’t take your favorite knife!”

“Bring it back to me when you get tired of living in the big city.”

Love bloomed in her chest and spread as tiny goose bumps pricked her arms. “Thanks, Pa,” Olive squealed, throwing her arms around his neck. “I’ll go help Mama fix you something to eat!”

When she reached the farmhouse, she found her mother in the kitchen boiling water.

“Olive, come here.” Nancy held a white flour sack apron. It had been colored purple from pokeberry juice. Tiny stitches hemmed the edges, and a big pocket adorned the front. “Take this with you to Joplin. It will protect your dresses and remind you of me. And here's one for Lizzie."

Olive hugged it to her chest. “Oh, Mama, thank you. I’ll wear it every day.”

“Pete is still asleep; maybe you should wake him up. He won’t want to go to bed tonight if he sleeps too much.”

“Yes, I’ll go get him up.”

Olive watched her three-year-old son sleeping. The rise and fall of his little chest was steady. His eyes fluttered, and she wondered if he was dreaming. His hair was growing shaggy and needed a trim.

Clasping her hands together, she closed her eyes and smiled. How long had she stayed awake at night, weighing the pros and cons of going to the city? Although excitement bubbled inside her, the cons of what could happen pushed those thoughts aside. She must be careful day and night. She must watch what she was doing and not let anyone try to hurt her. Traveling to Joplin would be the longest distance she had ever gone.

Peter was safe with her parents, and in time she would afford a new home for them both. She would do this. She would overcome the shadows of divorce and show everyone she was serious.

Joplin would provide the freedom, friends, and financial reward she dreamed of. Looking down at her sleeping son, it would be worth it.

 

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN 

Olive marveled at the Union Station in Joplin. Coming from the hills and hollows, she had never seen such tall and elegant buildings and so much concrete in her life. She settled into living with Mary Jane until she could save enough money to find her own place.

Mary Jane’s home boasted indoor plumbing, and the kitchen was large with several windows to let the sunshine flow through the room. Tall cabinets graced the walls and there was plenty of room to cook and entertain.

Mary Jane’s friends met every Tuesday to play cards, drink wine, and talk about the books they were reading. They called it a book club, but Olive was always at work when they met and couldn’t participate.

Most days Olive rode the electric streetcar, traveling along Main Street until she reached the Connor Hotel. She quickly learned the ins and outs of cleaning services from a business standpoint, and she became a top employee. Harold Bean, her boss, was impressed with her work ethic and honest way of living. When she worked in the restaurant located inside the hotel, she gathered tip money from her hospitable, friendly manner.

Only four years old, the Connor was the largest hotel in the area. Eight stories high, Olive and the cleaning crew had their hands full and stayed busy. When she took a few minutes at rest time, her favorite place to sit was in the lobby. She marveled at the crystal chandelier, hanging high and sporting sparkling crystals. The hotel was filled with Renaissance-style murals, sculptures, and limestone friezes.

Here in Joplin, there was always something going on. The noise could be deafening depending on what event was transpiring. The city streets were always cluttered with traffic. Wagons, buggies, the streetcar, horses and mules, and an occasional automobile crowded the narrow streets. As time went on, she learned to block out the noise and stay away from areas she should not be found in. Life was certainly full.

To entertain herself while she worked, thoughts of her little boy danced in her head. Olive missed Peter and his funny antics. She envisioned his dirty little face smiling at her when he got into something he should stay out of. She could almost hear his voice calling after her and sometimes crying when she went outdoors to the outhouse or had to go to town and did not take him along. Most of all, she missed his snuggles when they lay down together to take a nap. Pride burst in her heart; Peter was the one thing Henry left her that was dear to her.

One day, shortly after Olive arrived in Joplin, Lizzie had news. “Sister, I’m going to have a baby!” A big smile graced her ruby lips as she brought her hands to her belly.

“I’m thrilled for you! William must be tickled pink! When will the baby arrive?” She stopped for a moment. “I have a million questions!”

“William is excited but frightened at the prospect of being a daddy. I told him he would be the best one in the whole world!” Her lilting voice carried on the air. Olive’s heart swelled with love at the sound of it.

“He or she should arrive in August. We are both hoping for a boy.” Lizzie sat down in a chair. “I’m going to see a doctor at St. John’s Hospital in a couple of weeks. Mama’s too far away of course.”

At that, Olive’s excitement fizzled. A bad feeling fell over her about this ordeal. She shook it off. “Well, I know you’ll take care of yourself and take no chances.”

“William and Mary Jane want me to stop working. The laundry can be quite hectic at times. I’ve been asking some of the men to help me with lifting heavy tubs. Don’t worry, it’s all going to be fine and dandy!”

A couple of weeks later, Lizzie lost the baby, and her health declined more. Lizzie's back weakened, but she didn't complain. Instead, she denied it all and she told everyone that they would be trying again to have a baby and that her health was good.

Lydia travelled back and forth to Arkansas, where Ansel Fitzhugh lived. Lizzie was her traveling companion and talked about their travels to Elm Springs, Arkansas where they enjoyed their visit with Lydia’s Grandfather Howard.

“Lydia's Grandpa Howard is rich! He lives in a beautiful little house with tapestry curtains and embroidered furniture. He doesn’t drive anymore, it's too hard to care for the horses and wagon. But there’s plenty of people helping care for him. Why, every day, he sends someone downtown to buy Coca-Cola and candy at Dickerson’s store!” Lizzie exclaimed. “And he gave her five hundred dollars for her wedding. He told her to buy a wedding dress in Eureka Springs at the Hammontree Dress Shop.”

“Why in Eureka Springs?” Olive scrunched up her face.

“The parents of the shop owner, Rachel Hammontree, were close friends with Grandpa's folks. Rachel married a Eureka Springs banker, James Henry Hammontree, and moved to Eureka after the marriage. So, he wants to help Rachel in her dressmaking business.”

Olive was happy for Lydia. It was good to have money. But Pa was right, money wasn’t everything. She was thankful for a good job and people caring for her. Olive’s feelings about wicked Joplin changed after she lived there for a couple of months. Of course, there were places in the city that she did not dare visit. The infamous saloons, especially the House of Lords, were no place to be seen.

 ***

When the day arrived for Lydia to order a wedding dress, she asked Olive to go with her and Lizzie. “Do come with us, Olive,” Lydia pleaded. “You need to get out of here and have fun.”

So, Olive went to Arkansas. The train ride was exhilarating as it chugged through the Boston Mountains in the northwestern part of the state. Eureka Springs was known for its healing waters and had quite a history. Years ago, the town prospered and built bathhouses for guests to come and experience the healing properties of the springs. As time progressed, however, the “healing” notoriety had lost its appeal to many folks, but that did not deter the growth of the Arkansas town.

On the journey, Lydia told Lizzie and Olive all about the area. The Crescent Hotel, once a grand palace boasting of over 200 rooms, was now the Crescent College and Conservatory for Young Women.

 “Claretta’s cousin Lillian attends the college due to her parents’ insistence.” Lydia’s mouth curled into a little bud. “But Lillian isn’t happy with her parents’ decision.”

Her face brightened as if she was harboring a huge secret. “They have the strictest rules and requirements there. The girls must wear navy serge uniforms and there is to be no correspondence outside the school unless it is pre-approved by her parents and the principal. She hates that the most.”

Olive frowned. “It sounds like a prison to me.”

Lizzie and Lydia agreed. The train whistle foretold their arrival in the city and once they were off the train, they hired a hack to take them to the dress shop on Main Street. The hack deposited them in front of the dress shop and pulled away into traffic. The girls marveled at two window displays that appeared on each side of the entrance door of the shop. The wide glass windows featured a feast for the eyes and showed off the handiwork of Mrs. Rachel Hammontree.

On the left side, a cream lace wedding gown and veil, a trousseau, a house dress, a traveling suit, and shoes, hats, and handbags adorned the array of offerings inside the shop. The right window showed off a tea gown of blue taffeta, afternoon dresses made from gingham, Sunday best clothing along with a selection of thread, sewing needles and thimbles, and an assortment of lace.

“How could you possibly choose a dress when there are so many?” Lizzie exclaimed as she took in the display like a child looking into a candy shop. She pressed her nose close to the glass.

Lydia chuckled. “Since this is my second marriage, I see no need to buy an elaborate dress. Mother and I discussed it, and a simple one will do. And we won’t have a big wedding, just family and a few friends. And…cake!”

Olive stood close to her sister, peering intently at the peachy cream-colored satin and lace wedding dress. She loved the lines of the dress and the way the lace draped over the skirt. The fitted bodice was sleek with a high neckline trimmed in matching lace. Long sheer sleeves completed the look.

“You're peering very closely at that dress, what are you thinking about Olive?” Lizzie asked, elbowing her sister in the ribs.

Olive batted her eyelashes, looking at Lizzie and Lydia. She feared her face told them what she was thinking. Pink colored her cheeks, and she cleared her throat, “I'm thinking how well-made that gown is.”

Lydia’s dark eyes danced behind her spectacles, and she laid her hand on Olive’s shoulder. “Let’s go inside and meet the Hammontrees.”

The bell over the door announced their arrival. Pink, red, and cream cabbage rose wallpaper covered the walls. Comfortable chairs and a settee with cream and dark green satin cushions waited for guests.

Vases of fresh flowers adorned the tables. Along one wall was an open window. The girls heard voices from the other room. The jagged, whirring sound of sewing machines filled the air. A bamboo folding screen stood in a corner of the room. A side table offering ladies' magazines awaited shoppers near the chairs.

A woman appeared from the room beyond the open window; her dark hair was pulled and pinned into a knot on her head. She wore a dark brown skirt and white shirtwaist and carried a piece of linen fabric. Seeing the girls, she smiled and offered her free hand. “Good morning, you must be Lydia. I’m Rachel Hammontree.”

Lydia extended her gloved hand, introduced herself along with Lizzie and Olive, and told Mrs. Hammontree what she needed. "I'm getting married in two weeks, is that enough time for you to sew a dress?"

Rachel’s green almond-shaped eyes and cheery mouth made her ivory face quite friendly. “Yes, Claretta told me you needed a marriage trousseau, also, and I'll have everything ready for you in the nick of time.”

A tall, dark-haired, brown-eyed girl walked into the room. Claretta Hammontree had an aura that piqued her curiosity. “Lydia, how wonderful to see you again! And you’ve brought friends with you.” Her voice reminded Olive of tinkling bells swaying in the wind.

After Lydia introduced Lizzie and Olive, Lydia got down to business. Mrs. Hammontree offered various dresses and gowns, bringing out swatches of fabrics and colors and a book with dress patterns. “Most of these are not my creation,” Rachel admitted. “If you’d like to see what I offer, here is my album.”

Lydia thumbed through the pages of the album, admiring all the dresses. “You are quite skilled.”

“Thank you. I learned dressmaking from my mother and grandmother. They were professionals back in Tennessee. Mama was deaf, so she learned to communicate through drawings. When her mother realized how well she could draw, they sent her to study with a seamstress who taught her everything in designing and sewing women’s fashions.”

Lydia decided upon a simple gown of peach satin with an overlay of lace. Claretta offered to find shoes to match the dress.

“Oh, how fun to be able to shop for you!” Claretta squealed and clapped her hands. Her dark hair fell in waves below her shoulders. “Mama made this dress for me just a couple of weeks ago. Do you like it?”

When she spun around, the yellow taffeta trimmed in gold thread swirled about her ankles. The dress had the latest style, with puffed sleeves ending at her elbows.

The girls agreed they loved the dress and Claretta asked, “Please stay for supper tonight; surely you don’t have to return to Joplin so soon?”

“I’m afraid this is a quick trip. But you’ve been so helpful, and I think my mother and grandfather will be pleased with my choice,” Lydia explained. "By the way, do you think you can attend my wedding?"

"I'll speak to Edward about it and let you know,” Claretta answered.

At that moment, the door opened, and three men entered. Dirty trousers and work shirts streaked with grime covered their work clothes. Hats were slouched on their heads, and thick work gloves covered their hands. Tearing their hats from their heads, one apologized when he saw the women.

“Ansel!” Lydia cried out when she saw her handsome man.

A dark complected man grinned wide. “I’m so glad to see you!” He moved to Lydia, hugging her.

“Oh Edward, I was just speaking of you,” Claretta moved to stand beside her beau. “And you three are just in time for lunch. Grace made fresh bread, and she warmed the soup a few minutes ago.”

Edward Brier removed his gloves, grinned at his fiancé, and worried the brim of his hat. “We were afraid we might be early, but we’re hungry, so we decided to come over anyway.” He looked at the women, a blush covering his face. “I’m sorry that we look like bums, but we’ve just come from the Road District and haven’t washed up yet.”

Mrs. Hammontree exclaimed, “We understand, Dear. You work so hard! You know where the washroom is.

The romantic looks Claretta and Edward gave each other embarrassed Olive. She looked away and when she did, she noticed the other man's blue eyes trained on her face. A soft gasp escaped her at his cool appraisal. A patch of light brown hair fell over his deep forehead. He grinned at her as he shoved the hair back.

Olive returned the smile and stared. She heard the others talking, but their voices sounded far away. She strained to listen to the conversation and tried to focus, but it was useless. Her thoughts were on the man. His firm mouth held a grin. A nice grin. When Lizzie touched her shoulder, she saw everyone staring at her.

“Sister?” Lizzie shook Olive’s arm a bit. "Claretta's talking to you…"

Embarrassment crept over Olive’s face and flowed down her arms. The tenderness and wonder in his expression amazed her. What in the world was happening? She felt like a great gust of wind blew through the living room. Lizzie’s touch brought her back to the moment.

Claretta held the man’s arm, speaking directly to Olive. “I was saying I want you to meet Edward’s brother, Will. He’s visiting from Kansas. Will Brier meet Olive Johnson. She’s Lizzie’s sister.”

Will Brier moved forward, holding his hat and gloves in one hand; he took Olive’s hand with the other. “Hello, Olive, it’s nice to meet you.”

She stammered a “Yes" as the warmth and strength of his touch cradled her hand in his. When he didn't immediately let go, a new awareness warmed her heart as well.

“Do you live in Eureka Springs?” he asked, gazing at her, his mouth drawn up in a crooked smile.

Olive noticed his sharp features: a long nose that portrayed strength and a sturdy jaw and that wide mouth. She liked his hair, laying neatly with an unruly piece that fell on his forehead. She wanted to reach up and push it back in place for him.

A faint tremor laced Olive’s voice. "No, I’m in Joplin, Missouri.”

Will released Olive’s hand, stepping back. “Kansas and Missouri. That makes us neighbors!”

Olive just smiled. But her thoughts were centered on what a handsome neighbor he was.

Edward Brier spoke up, laughter framing his words, “This is the year for weddings, I must say! Ansel and Lydia are getting married and when our sister, Anna, found out I'm marrying Claretta, she wants to make it a double wedding!”

Edward looked at Will, “Don’t drink the water, Brother!”

Will’s face sobered for a moment. Then his blue eyes twinkled, and he looked straight at Olive. “I’ve not been thirsty until now.”