Page 159 of Conveniently Wed
And then, in an instant, that cute little expression turned to fear. He’d followed her line of sight to the snake and his heartbeat froze. His body reacted automatically. Before he knew what he was doing, he sighted the Winchester and squeezed. It wasn’t until the striking snake dissolved into pieces, that he relaxed.
Why was death following him? How many people did he have to lose before it was enough? Ever since they’d moved to this wild territory in ’63, people he’d loved had been picked off like a deer in a hunter’s sights.
But he didn’t fault the land. No, the land never promised to be gentle or make things easy. This country was hard and completely untamable, but gave you the feeling you’d really accomplished something. You were proud to have the chance to live another day in this fierce place of unimaginable beauty.
No, the land never promised to take care of them. It was God who had made that promise…and failed.
The scissors sliced deliciously through the lavender fabric. Even though they were rusty and snagged often, these shears could get the job done. Leah didn’t normally consider herself to be the destructive type, but watching the ruffles fall away gave her a little thrill.
A gasp from the doorway brought her attention up.
“You’re cutting your dress?” Miriam rushed forward to pick up the long strip of lavender frill that had dropped to the wood floor. She raised mournful eyes to Leah’s. “Why?”
“These dresses aren’t very practical.” She waved the scissors casually over the mass of lace and ruffles. “I only have the one wool dress I can really work in. The rest of these requirebustles and extra tight corsets, and the trains are impossible to move around in. I’m going to break my other leg if I don’t do something about it.” She kept her tone light and teasing.
Miriam still fingered the cut fabric as if it was a dearly departed friend. “But they were beautiful.”
And compared to Miriam’s dingy brown garb, they were. Miriam’s dress was not just an old style, it hadnostyle. The high neck and straight bodice did nothing to enhance any curves. The skirt flared a little more than the bodice, but didn’t gather in the back or have room underneath for more than a petticoat or two, certainly not a crinoline or bustle. The dress had obviously been made for functiononly.
The mound of ruffles in Miriam’s hand gave Leah an idea. “Miriam, go get the gray dress you wore the other day.”
“What?”
“Quick, I have a wonderful idea. Is it clean?”
Nodding, Miriam moved toward her room. Leah finished cutting the ruffle from the lavender train, then snipped the layers that would have rested on the bustle. She’d need to do some hemming, but then her gown would look fine and be so much easier to work in.
“Here you go.” Miriam laid the drab gray gown on the bed next to Leah.
“See here. If we start the ruffle at the top of the skirt in the back, then cross it down to the bottom around the front, then back up in the rear. It’ll add fullness in the back like the current styles and give some length to the bottom.”
“Oh…” Miriam breathed.
“Then we can add some tucks to the bodice, maybe put a piece of this lace at the neckline to make it all blend.” Leah held up the dress and lace in an attempt to illustrate her designs. “It’ll be lovely.”
Miriam bounced on her tip-toes. “Do you mean it? Really?”
It was impossible not to grin at such a picture. “Of course. You’ll look splendid.” Leah barely had time to brace herself before Miriam flew at her with a hug.
“Oh, thank you. Thank you.”
Leah returned the embrace, then laughed as she extracted herself. “No need to thank me. Do you want to help with the stitching or are you too busy in the garden?”
Miriam plopped down with a bounce on the bed. “I’ve picked everything that was ready, so I can help until it’s time to make the noon meal.” She jumped up again like a cricket. “I’ll get my sewing things.”
While they worked, Leah offered suggestions for Miriam’s gown and continued to remove the extra trim and yardage from her own. She’d start with these three, then alter some of her other dresses later if she needed them.
“There.” Miriam held up the dress, displaying a finished skirt.
“It’s amazing how the ruffle brings it to life.”
“Ooh, I can’t wait to try it on.” Miriam clutched the gown to her bosom.
Leah felt a smile spill out at the joy on her friend’s face. “Finish the bodice first, though.”
A shadow fell across the light from the open doorway, pulling the lighthearted mood from the room. There stood Gideon, sun’s rays behind him darkening his face so Leah couldn’t make out his features. His broad shoulders were strong and straight as he removed his hat and turned to hang it on the hook.
When he moved out of the doorway, the tightness of his profile showed clearly—the part not covered by the mountain man beard, that is.
