As the Catholics in the group made the sign of the cross, a hearty “Amen” came from each pair of lips.
The few remaining introductions were offered hurriedly and general conversation broke out as platters were passed.
Making Friends
“I’m not sure how I’m going to remember everyone’s name!” exclaimed Clara, seated further along the table. There was general agreement that there had been a lot of information shared.
“Heavens, I’ve known half these people my whole life and I never knew Gladys liked to quilt!” Charlie Sue said in amazement.
“Well who did you think made that quilt you got for Christmas from your father?” Gladys asked, a bit hurt.
“Why I thought he’d gotten it from the General Store, special order! You made that quilt? It is the most beautiful design I’ve ever seen!”
Gratified, Gladys beamed. “That’s how I help out with the household, making and selling quilts.”
“I’d love to see some of your work,” Barbara said thoughtfully. “I had an idea once for quilted jackets—plain fabric, not pieced—to provide extra warmth in winter. I’ve been warned yours here are even colder than those to which we are accustomed.”
Gladys looked doubtful. “I truly cannot make a dress, you know.”
“No, but if your quilting is good enough to sell, I’m betting you could work with pre-cut pieces to apply a pleasing pattern to create a thickly padded garment.”
Shaking her head in wonder, Charlie turned to Judith. “She really is crazy about designing clothes, isn’t she?”
Indicating her own gown and then sweeping her hand to indicate the entire room, Judith replied, “She created every single dress we are wearing today.”
Charlie looked around the room. As little attention as she generally paid to fashion, she was aware of the flair these city gals all seemed to possess, and had put it down to eastern sophistication. She glanced over toward Barbara with new respect for her talents.
Before long the chaperones were standing and everyone was helping with cleanup. The space needed to be cleared for tonight’s dance, and they each hoped to get a bit of rest before dressing for the evening. The pastors’ conniving had been a great success as many friendships had been forged throughout the room.
CHAPTER 26 – The Dance Billy
Billy watched as the young ladies entered the room in a group, looking like flowers wearing the latest fashions, but he had eyes for only one, his Barbara. Something about her sad still face made him think of his mother.
But it was more than that. When she had written, he had felt she touched him. And when they had met at the train and he had taken her arm and escorted her the wagon, he had believed he belonged by her side. He just knew his guardian angel was there with him, just as his mother had told him she would always be. No one truly believed he could remember her, but certain scents always made him feel safe and secure.
He wasn't even aware he had started walking forward until he was in front of her and putting out his hand to her. His mouth spoke for him.
“It is wonderful to see you this evening Miss McKevitt. May I introduce you to some people?”
With a quick smile for the other girls she allowed him to escort her over to a pair of women who were talking with two young girls.
Billy leaned toward her and murmured in her ear, “I know by now you’ve probably heard more about Tri Brands Ranch then you ever thought you'd care to know but they helped sponsor your visit. These two ladies and Miss Mary's husband are the owners of the three brands that merged to make a single operation. I met Miss Mary at a horse sale in Texas and she asked me to come work for her. I'm right fond of horses.”
Barbara smiled up at him. He'd made that rather clear in his letters. It was somehow endearing to know how much he loved what he did.
More Introductions
He brought her right up to the group and introduced her formally.
“Miss Mary, Miss Dorothy, I'm sure you all met last night, but it does me great honor to present to you Miss Barbara Juliana McKevitt with whom I have been corresponding.”
Barbara raised her eyebrows in surprise at his formal mode. He had admitted to being relatively uneducated, so for him to use such a formal manner came as a surprise. The ladies all curtsied to one another and then Dorothy drew forth her young daughters and introduced each of them.
“Miss McKevitt, it is a pleasure to meet you again. Please, may I make known to you my daughters, Harmony and Melody? Harmony, Melody, this is Miss McKevitt.”
Each of the girls dropped graceful curtsies as well, as Barbara dipped her head toward them in acknowledgement.
“You young ladies are beautifully turned out,” she commented.
“My mama makes all our clothes,” piped up Melody.
Billy chimed in, “And that's why I wanted to bring Miss McKevitt over to talk with you, Miss Dorothy. She's quite a seamstress herself and hopes to perhaps earn a living at sewing until she is ready to settle down to marriage. I believe she made all the dresses for her group of friends.”
He nodded toward the young ladies who were beginning to mingle and be introduced.
Mary spoke up. “I have been admiring all their outfits. They seem to be in the latest mode.”
“Well, thank you,” replied Barbara. “I did try to incorporate some of the ideas from the most recent Godey’s Lady’s Book without going to extremes. Some of the highest fashion looks rather uncomfortable to wear, does it not?”
All of the ladies tittered softly behind their gloves and fans. Billy raise a finger to his neck cloth and tugged slightly in discomfort, before bowing to the ladies.
