Emily

By Jo Ann Snapp

Emily’s best friend from childhood, Angeline Simpson, appears to have no problem fitting into her expected role of a 1923 young woman. She falls in love without doubts and confusion with the one man she desires to wed for a lifetime. But Emily? No longer a child, but not yet a woman, Emily is opinionated about her friends and about her future as a horse rancher. She’d like to please her parents but is conflicted when what they want is not in line with her dreams.

Three years in a finishing school back East gave Emily Rains’ parents, Joshua and Abigail, hope that the tomboy ranch hand would be converted into a genteel young lady. Though she returns at sixteen very feminine, Emily still wants her own horse ranch and her choice of friends. Her brothers work for the homestead ranch, her brothers choose their own friends and she cannot understand why her father will not allow her to do the same.

A sudden change in her father’s stand against giving her full freedom at first brings joy then suspicion. Is Emily unknowingly playing into her parents plans for her future, or is Godly guidance beyond her understanding taking control?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jo Ann Snapp
• Release date: Jul 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465976222

Jo Ann Snapp

Jo Ann Snapp was an Arkansas author of fiction. She had been writing books since she was around nine years old. After a long career in retail and logistics she took up the mantle to get some of her work out to readers.Whether historical, contemporary, mysteries or romances all her writing is from a Christian perspective so you can be assured a clean read even if the subject matter is controversial. Some of her work is inspirational; some of her work is just plain good storytelling. No matter the genre, to Jo a story was a story that had to be told.Jo Ann Snapp passed away on November 29, 2013Jo Ann lived in Mountain View, Arkansas and the area inspired her Norma Jean Mystery series.Find more of Jo Ann's books at:http://joannsnappauthor.com Jo Ann’s Blog Words with a MessageTitles by this author:May and Jed Beginning the JourneyA Reconciled HeartEmilyThe Pathway HomeMarisa’s DestinyA Twist in the Old Lasso (Short Story)Norma Jean’s Mysteries Series:Herpel Holler Homecoming Book OneBody in the Bluff Book TwoBody in the Barn Book ThreeBody in the Big Box Book FourBody in the Barrel Book Five

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Emily

by

Jo Ann Snapp

Emily Copyright 2011 Jo Ann Snapp

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Prelude – Sequel to A Reconciled Heart

Abigail Bentley Rains sat down on the swing of the massive front porch from which she enjoyed the sunset for the last twenty five years. Tomorrow she would retake her vows to the same wonderful Joshua Rains she fell in love with her first year in Cateman, Califorinia.

In 1897 town looked much different than it did now in 1923.

Abigail didn’t come West to find a husband. She came to end a friend’s fears and allow her a reconciled heart. Even with all the twists and turns it took to bring a conclusion to the mystery, coming to Cateman turned out to be the best decision Abigail ever fought with God to make. She smiled.

Maybelle and Jed Simpson became like family over the years of good times and bad. They shared the business interests with their six boys and their one daughter, sixteen year old, Angeline. The Simpson’s dream of owning the biggest vegetable and fruit farm in the states became a reality long ago.

Abigail raised a whole new generation of Rains for the Grasslands Ranch and for the new automobile and oil enterprises they owned. Now, six boys and one girl later, Abigail looked forward to the return from school of her youngest, sixteen year old Emily.

Chapter One - All that Glitters

Abigail trotted along beside the new 1923 model T with Emily Rains hanging out the window holding her hands. When the car stopped, Emily, tall and slim, jumped from the running board to Abigail’s arms.

My! You’re even more grown-up than the last time I saw you! Abigail Rains kissed her daughter and then held her out a space.

Her baby, home from school. Such a lady now! Emily’s dark hair, so much like Joshua’s, hung to her shoulders, curls tucked beneath a hat which reminded Abigail of a bucket.

So that’s the up and coming styles we can look for?

Oh this is all the rage now back East, Momma. Emily swung around showing off a hip length, pink striped blouse and a skirt to match, with a hem line barely mid-calf. She wore pastel chunk heeled shoes with tee straps.

A little too much leg showing for my fancy. Joshua Rains came around and kissed Abigail’s forehead then proceeded to get his daughter’s suitcases.

Daddy! Even all the church girls are wearing this style. Emily rolled her eyes toward her mother. You like it don’t you, Momma?

Well, I think it’s pretty . . . Abigail started and looked at her own six inch above ankle length skirt. Her dressing habits raised some eyebrows her first year in Cateman. What she did in 1897 wouldn’t cause a glance today. Twenty-six years made a big difference.

We’re too used to having Aunt Maybelle fashion our clothes. Emily climbed the porch steps. "If you buy new store bought clothes, this is all the fashion rage for young people.

Joshua passed Abigail and Emily with a big case. Emily, we’ve taught you better than that. You don’t have to follow what everyone else does.

I know, Daddy, and believe me this is modest for what they’re selling. You’d be outraged by what we could’ve bought but wouldn’t have dared. Emily looked around. Where’s everyone?

Working I expect. Abigail put an arm around her daughter. She anticipated half the town out to the ranch for the coming home party. But they’ll all be here tonight.

Emily sighed, gazing across the yard and the land beyond. Momma, it’s so good to be home. I know Daddy and you sent me to the city for education and culture, but I want to be here. I want my horse ranch, to train horses, help run the ranch.

Your Father has the boys to help with the ranch, Emily. You could really be a help with your accounting education and such but . . . Abigail’s voice trailed off. Wasn’t she the one who made the trip all alone to this then strange and hard land when only a little older than Emily?

I want to be a rancher, Momma. Emily frowned. I thought you of all people would understand wanting something different than most women. I’ve heard the stories—Daddy’s stories—of your boldness all my life. I’ve worked the ranch like the boys and now? So now I’m a young lady, I shouldn’t want to do ranching?

Well, I-uh, Honey, I . . . Abigail stuttered, unsure what to say to appease her daughter. There are lots of jobs in running a ranch and our businesses. Look at your brothers. Look at Andrew. He’s going to be a lawyer, and it’s help we can really use.

But Daddy didn’t talk Matt or Joe or Lucas or even Alex into trying something different from ranching. He let them decide. Emily sat on the steps.

Your Father thought, as a young woman, you might want to find a husband and have your own home and such. Not be stuck here. Abigail felt a losing battle coming up.

Momma! Emily huffed. Matt and Joe are married and have their own places, but they still work the ranch. I could too if I married someone who wanted the same things I want.

Abigail reached out to Emily and her daughter extended a hand. Abigail pulled her up from the steps. Well, that’s a ways away, I do say, so we have time to think it over.

I’m almost seventeen and remember Matt, Joe and Dan all got married at eighteen. Emily squeezed her mother’s hand.

But that’s different, Emily. Abigail opened the screen door.

Why? Because they’re boys? Emily went inside. Momma, why don’t you just say, because you’re the baby, Emily? And a girl?

Okay, okay! Abigail pushed a loose hairpin up in her graying, brown hair. You always were a protesting child.

But seriously, Momma. I don’t want to live my life the way they do in the city. Most hated what they were doing but seemed trapped for the sake of making money. All that glitters isn’t gold, like you and Daddy taught me. A peaceful heart’s better than gold. That’s why I’m so glad to be home.

You can take peace to heaven with you, Joshua stopped to add. All these worldly goods are stayin’ right here.

Emily removed the hat and shook out her curls. Angeline and her folks will be by later for the party tonight. You know, Momma, I’m not so sure Angie’s as glad to be home as I am.

Why would you say that, Emily? Abigail raised her eyebrows. She gets along very well with her parents. Always has.

I know that but, well. Emily leaned against the icebox. She met someone when we went back after semester break.

Someone? A boy? Abigail nodded.

You’d say a boy, but he’s nineteen, and she’s head over heels I’d say. They were inseparable at all the events at school.

You two went to a girl’s school. How’d she meet this boy? Abigail set out pots and dishes in preparation for Bess Horton, the young housekeeper’s, arrival.

Oh Momma, please. Emily hugged against Abigail’s shoulder with a smile. We weren’t in prison, and the boy’s academy was only a few blocks away. We couldn’t very well show off the manners and etiquette we learned as young ladies without young men who were learning the same things. Emily waved her hand. Always properly chaperoned, I can assure you.

Abigail feared to ask but forged ahead. And you? Did you have any head over heels moments?

Uummm, Emily reached to the top shelf for one of the decorative platters. A few head turning encounters, but I already made up my mind. I don’t want a city slicker.

Your father received his education back there.

But he came back here, not a city slicker at all. Emily said. I’m so glad he came back to the ranch, aren’t you, Momma?

Abigail put a hand on her hip and laughed. I’d say I’m mighty glad.

It’s good to hear after all the years. Joshua came through the kitchen. Even knowing all the ups and downs, I’d do it all again without even hesitating.

Abigail gazed at her husband. She had not come to Cateman seeking a husband but to solve the mystery of a friend’s fearful heart. She loved Joshua more now than in the beginning; a deeper more settled love. You’ll get the chance tomorrow when we retake our vows.

I could never say I haven’t seen a good example of what marriage should be. Emily sighed. Momma, have you tried on your dress? How ‘bout your suit Daddy?

Joshua laughed. I’d like to say it fits the same, but with your Momma’s cooking—not being quite as active as the year we married—your Aunt Maybelle let out a little at the waist.

Mine only fits because of the loose bodice, and the full skirt style. Abigail said. But I have managed to stay pretty trim chasing all the children.

I don’t see a difference since the day we married, Joshua smiled, the love in his eyes as evident to Abigail as the day they said I do. Tomorrow I’ll gladly say I do again.

Bess let the kitchen screen door slap shut. How romantic! She crossed the room with a beaming smile and embraced Emily. Emily Ann! You’re a grown up lady.

And one glad to be back home. Emily returned the embrace.

Abigail gazed at the two girls and sighed. Bess, Angeline and Emily went to school together in Cateman from first grade through high school. Whether a game at church or an award at any event, those three were involved. Neither gave up any ground to the other in competitions. Where had all the time gone?

Bess picked up the menu card Abigail left by the stove. Oooh, pretty simple stuff. I better get on this.

We’ll help. Emily looked over Bess’s shoulder.

You will not! Bess moved the card. This is your coming home party. You and your family go on out to the porch and catch up on things. I’ll bring you out some lemonade.

Joshua’s going to get the barbeque going, and the hands are bringing the tables up from the barn. The rest of the family will be here after while to get everything set up. Abigail took Emily’s arm, and the three went back out to the porch. It means tomorrow will be pretty well set up except for the flowers and chairs in the garden for the ceremony.

*****

Emily loved the big front porch on a summer’s day; to look across the valley to the mountain range and many times she meditated on the goodness of God from her perch. As her parents and she talked of her adventures, mishaps and final exams, Emily more than ever thanked God for the wonderful family life she shared. She could discuss any part of her life with her mother and father, without fear. She found that not to be true with many of her school mates.

Waiting for the others to arrive, Emily took the opportunity to visit with her horse, Ink, down at the stables. The big black horse, glad to see her mistress, seemed to beg for a chance to get out for a ride.

Not today my girl, Emily ran her fingers through the long mane and hugged the graceful neck. She then went to the tack room to cuddle the new pups with their mother, Precious.

Back at the porch where her mother sat drinking lemonade, the ranch hands Emily grew up with came in from work.

Emmy Ann, make me some of your mud and blackberry pies! Emmy Ann all dressed up, maybe, where’s the rest of your dress? And the teasing continued when her brothers arrived.

The baby has come home! Matt Rains swung his sister around only to pass her to her other brothers, Lucas, then Andy, then Alex and then Joe. Where’d you get your flour sack dress, Emmy Ann?

Matt, stop being so mean! Julie Rains helped her four and five year old boys, Gilbert and Jeremy, from the car and then kissed Emily’s cheek. It’s good to have you home, Honey. The boys have been asking everyday when? When’s Aunt Emily coming home?

Gilbert and Jeremy hopped around waiting their turn for hugs and kisses.

Is that a flour sack, Aunt Emily? Gilbert, the oldest,