Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings

Author:Regina Jennings [Jennings, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Books & Bibles, Literature & Fiction, Historical, Romance, United States, Religious & Inspirational Fiction, Religion & Spirituality, Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, FIC042030, Texas—History—19th century—Fiction, Abandoned children—Fiction, FIC042040, FIC027050
ISBN: 0764209922
Amazon: B00DWA6A7M
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Published: 2014-04-01T16:00:00+00:00

15

The stagecoach slid sideways on the sandy road that spanned the gentle rises. With a practiced eye, Nick assessed the grade. As flat as one could hope for in this area, but the ground felt unstable. Of course if the railroad strayed too far from water, they’d spend more on lumber. Best option was to encompass enough timber in the land allotment that none had to be purchased. Still, this route seemed to be superior to the Bakersville option.

Ian Stanford belched from the seat next to him. “We’ve covered more ground going side to side than forward progress.” He loosened his necktie. “Just another reason that railroads will make coach travel obsolete.”

No reply was necessary and the less he had to say, the better. Nicholas was in no mood for small talk. Once again he’d gotten crossways with Anne. Once again he felt the stunning discomfort that accompanied every spat with her. He hated that she couldn’t stay on at the office, but didn’t she understand what was at stake? He had to keep peace with Ophelia if he wanted to be successful. What help could he be to Anne and Sammy if he lost his business?

The town of Vannatta appeared as the coach crested a bald rise. As they crossed a bridge, Ian waved to the people gathering by the road while Nicholas shoved aside his worries of Anne and prepared to greet the dignitaries gathered before the post office.

He hadn’t expected a brass band to meet them at Vannatta, which was fortunate. Nowhere else could a tuba player, an elderly woman with a cornet, and a boy with a triangle qualify as a band, but there they were, filling the crisp air with a stirring rendition of “She’ll Be Coming ’Round the Mountain.”

“Not quite as big as Bakersville’s welcome,” Stanford said. “Hopefully they’ll be more desperate.” He straightened his tie and tightened his gloves before climbing out of the stagecoach.

Nicholas didn’t follow too closely. After being trapped inside a coach with a man suffering from perpetual indigestion, he wanted some space—and some fresh air. He hopped down and stretched discreetly before the crowd realized they had two guests of honor.

At Bakersville, he’d been treated like the visiting Prince of Wales. They’d generously given a sample of all the fruits of their labors, but by this time of year many of their crops were dried or canned. Balancing the glass jars of beets and tomatoes as he’d looked inside the general store had put him in a foul mood. What did he care how many shelves of goods were available in town? Didn’t they realize the railroad would bring business whether it was already there or not? The saddle was an extravagant gesture, but one which was useless to him. Most of the riches Ophelia had hinted at had yet to materialize. Of course, at the top of that list was the land grant, and that would be almost worthless until the railroad was completed, anyway.

As for his mentor, Stanford’s activities involved hinting, criticizing, and looking disappointed.

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