Bouquet for Iris by Diane T. Ashley

Author:Diane T. Ashley [Ashley, Diane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-60742-916-6
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2009-12-26T16:00:00+00:00

nine

Iris settled herself in the wagon next to Camie before waving good-bye to June and Anna, who were clinging to Josephine’s skirts. She would miss them, but Mr. Spencer had insisted they stay with him to avoid overcrowding at the Millers’ home.

Lance drove to the ferryman’s hut and woke him. While he arranged for their transport across the river, Iris and Camie played with Erin and Emily to keep them from fussing. A white mist hung over the river, but Iris knew it would disappear as the sun rose.

The ferryman was short and rotund with a knitted cap covering grizzled hair that matched his shaggy beard and mustache. He wore a coat of rabbit fur and long woolen socks that covered his legs all the way up to his knees. He nodded at them and headed down to the river.

Lance climbed back aboard the wagon and guided it onto the wooden raft. It only took a short time to cross the river, but Iris held her breath as she watched the swift water slide under the edge of the ferry. Lance waved to the man as he pulled the wagon back onto solid ground, and they were off on the next leg of their journey.

The sun came up over the eastern hills and brought with it some warmth. Iris found herself dozing as they made slow but steady progress on the muddy roads.

Camie’s voice roused her. “Ma and Pa are going to be so excited to see you, Iris.”

Iris raised an eyebrow. “I imagine they will be much more interested in seeing their granddaughters than the child of their old friends. And rightfully so.” She tickled Erin, laughing along with the girl. “You’re much more interesting than an old maid nanny.”

Lance’s chest seemed to expand a little. “They are special, aren’t they?”

“Yes they are.” Iris rubbed her nose against Erin’s cheek. “Children are a gift from God.”

Camie pulled Emily onto her lap. “That’s true, but I know my parents will be excited to see you, too.”

“We’re about to find out just how much.” Lance turned down a lane and through a wide gate.

A large sign swung between the tall posts. “BRAINERD MISSION.” Iris also read aloud the words carved into the bottom half of the sign, “So that I could but gain souls for Christ.”

“It was David Brainerd’s lifelong dream.” Camie referred to the brave missionary whose tireless work had inspired the formation of missions like this one.

“I didn’t realize how large the mission is.” Iris gazed at the extensive grounds dotted with comfortable homes, livestock, and cherry orchards.

As he steered the horses, Lance pointed out the mill perched on the banks of Chickamauga Creek, as well as the main house where the students resided, and the large meetinghouse where they would attend Easter services in a little while.

“Whoa.” He pulled back on the reins in front of a two-story whitewashed cabin.

Iris and Camie began gathering blankets, baskets, and children while Lance secured the horses. Before they could unload all

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