Taking a Risk on Love by Irene B. Brand

Author:Irene B. Brand
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2013-09-09T00:00:00+00:00

five

As the caravan traveled steadily toward their goal, one day was so much like the other that Evelyn began to wonder if she would live to see their destination. It was difficult for her to believe that ten years after the War between the States had ceased, the ravages of conflict were still evident in the landscape. Skeletons of huge mansions brought tears to Evelyn’s eyes. She envisioned the sorrow the Southerners must have endured. With the able-bodied men away fighting, no doubt much of the defense of the property would have fallen to the women.

Evelyn didn’t realize what a poor traveling companion she’d become until she sighed deeply, and Vance, who was driving her wagon that morning, laughed aloud.

Sensing that she was blushing, she said, “I’m sorry, but my body is a mass of bruises from riding in the wagon all day.” She held up her foot to display the sole of her shoe, which was in tatters. “And I can’t walk anymore because my shoes are worn out.”

Vance patted her shoulder. “I understand how you feel. When I took this journey with my father the first time, I thought we’d never reach our destination. Someday you’ll look back and think that our journey wasn’t so bad after all. As for your shoes, I’ll buy you a new pair when we arrive in Columbia. You’re doing fine.”

Squirming on the narrow seat just as the mules pulled the wagon across a rocky stream, Evelyn frowned a little. “I hope so. What’s next?”

“We’ll spend several days there to give us time to repair and fortify the wagons for the mountainous regions. You can get some rest there. Adrian says that Grace is getting tired of the wagons, and it will still be a few weeks before we arrive at our destination. Women and children will stay in a hotel, so you can rest more comfortably than you do in the wagon.”

“That would be a welcome break,” Evelyn agreed. “I hope to find a store where I can buy some material to make clothes for Earl and Marie.”

“I haven’t been in Columbia for a long time, but I’m sure you can find what you need.”

“The women at Rosebud made several changes for them, but they’re growing like weeds and will soon require more garments. According to Aunt Fannie, they’re healthy babies, for which I’m thankful. She makes it a point to check on the twins and me every few days. I appreciate her attention, especially since I know nothing about taking care of babies. She and Grace have been godsends. I would have been lost without their advice on what to do for Earl and Marie.”

“Aunt Fannie raised me, so that’s a good indication that she knows how to do it,” he said, a grin spreading across his face. Evelyn had noticed that Vance was gradually losing some of his fatigue and chagrin. Had their amiable relationship contributed to the change in him? Or was she the one who was changing?

“I’ll provide the money to buy whatever you need for yourself and the children.

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