Distant Dreams by Judith Pella & Tracie Peterson

Author:Judith Pella & Tracie Peterson [Pella, Judith & Peterson, Tracie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Books & Bibles, Literature & Fiction, Historical, Romance, Western & Frontier, United States, Religion & Spirituality, Fiction, Religious & Inspirational Fiction, Christian Fiction, ebook
ISBN: 0764206915
Amazon: B00B5J4VUU
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Published: 2009-08-01T16:00:00+00:00

28

A New Venture

Leland Baldwin rearranged himself uncomfortably on the blue brocade armchair in one of the Oakbridge drawing rooms. The highly ornate Gothic frame seemed hardly sturdy enough to hold his weight, and it made him increasingly more nervous by the minute. Light strains of music filtered in through the closed doors. This was followed by much laughter and singing as the gathering of guests joined the piano with a hearty chorus of “Deck The Halls.”

He should be with the others, toasting the holiday and sampling the splendid fare laid out on long sideboards. Instead, he found himself spirited away by a very animated James, and now he awaited his son’s return with some trepidation. While he was relieved to see James acting more his old self, Leland always became suspicious when his son singled him out for private discussions.

“We’re here, Father,” James said, entering the room with Joseph Adams.

“Leland, forgive me for taking you away from the party, and after you braved the inclement weather to come out,” Joseph said, giving Leland a hearty handshake. “I won’t keep you here long.”

Leland awkwardly rose in greeting. “I am just honored to be your guest, Joseph. Now, what’s all this about a private proposal?”

Laughter sounded again when a sour note was struck on the piano, and the chorus was started again.

James went quickly to close the door, only marginally shutting out the party. “Perhaps another time would have lent itself to a more businesslike atmosphere,” Joseph said, taking a seat across from Leland, “but I feared it would be past the New Year before I’d have a chance to speak with you again.”

“Is there a matter of urgency?” Leland questioned anxiously.

James pulled up a chair. “Not really urgency, Father, but something that has taken the interest of Mr. Adams.”

“Not only me, but of my daughter and your son as well,” Joseph replied.

Leland smiled. Ah, he thought, so there is to be an engagement announced for Christmas. He’d not thought James would be so joyous about the situation, but relief flooded though him as he imagined what his son’s union with Virginia Adams could mean for the Baldwin affairs.

“This is good news,” Leland gave an enthusiastic nod of approval directed toward James. “Mrs. Baldwin will be delighted.”

James frowned. “I don’t see why Mother would find this of any interest.”

“Good grief, son! You’re her only child. Of course she will find this of interest. After all, it isn’t every day you send your son off to be married.”

“Married!” James exclaimed and Joseph laughed heartily.

“I’m afraid I gave you the wrong idea, Leland. This is an entirely different matter.”

James reddened at this, and Leland tensed and drew in a tight breath.

“Then what is this all about?” Leland said rather testily. “You mentioned my son and your daughter.”

Joseph rubbed his muttonchop whiskers. “And so I did. I spoke of Carolina, however, not Virginia. And the proposal I’m seeking to include you on is one based upon railroad interests.”

“Railroad . . . ?”

“That’s right. In the

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