best partners in their group. Sheâd considered asking him to be her escort for the cotillion, but since Ben would be present as Mary Bethâs, 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, Ameliaâs heart swelled with pride that her parents went to so much time and expense to honor her with this dinner. Sheâd 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 Bethâs letter, tonight was the dinner party at the Carlyle home to celebrate Ameliaâs 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, heâd surely think of something special.
Despite Aunt Claraâs words of encouragement, he had begun to doubt his ability to compete with the wealthy young men of Boston. He couldnât give her all the possessions and social standing her family now afforded her.
Heâd 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 Godâs great handiwork in nature. The grass beneath Blackieâs 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 Godâs 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.
âI saw your horse gone from the stables and figured youâd come out here. You like the beauty and quiet of the night as much as I do.â
âYouâre right, I do. Something about it gives
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, Ameliaâs heart swelled with pride that her parents went to so much time and expense to honor her with this dinner. Sheâd 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 Bethâs letter, tonight was the dinner party at the Carlyle home to celebrate Ameliaâs 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, heâd surely think of something special.
Despite Aunt Claraâs words of encouragement, he had begun to doubt his ability to compete with the wealthy young men of Boston. He couldnât give her all the possessions and social standing her family now afforded her.
Heâd 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 Godâs great handiwork in nature. The grass beneath Blackieâs 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 Godâs 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.
âI saw your horse gone from the stables and figured youâd come out here. You like the beauty and quiet of the night as much as I do.â
âYouâre right, I do. Something about it gives
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