Angie Webber: Leaving Mistysprings

By B.T. Gage

From author B.Gage comes the first release in the new 'Changing Seasons' collection. Angie Webber—Leaving Mistysprings, is both reminiscent and adventurous. Set in the early 1900’s, a young lady, born and raised in a quaint, rural community dreams of finishing her schooling in the prestigious 'Teacher Training Academy' in the most famous city in the world. Will it remain a dream or can she make it a living reality? Travel the path with Angie, from the familiar boarders of her home to the hustle and bustle of New York City. Time will tell if the different opportunities presented have the power to alter her course for better or for worse. Amidst it all, will she be able to holdfast to her faith or will it take a back seat to life in the fast lane?

• Language: English
• Publisher: B.T. Gage
• Release date: Oct 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370807598

B.T. Gage

A new year commenced and I couldn’t help but let my hope of writing a novel simmer to the surface.I had always dreamed of someday writing a novel—and not just any story for the sake of it, but one that I would be inclined to read myself. Well that day finally came, and Angie Webber burst out of my imagination and onto the page (well, computer screen).The Changing Seasons Collection was born, and I couldn’t write quick enough as these four young ladies ran rampant through my imagination, giggling and dancing vivaciously as they went!

Book preview

Angie Webber: Leaving Mistysprings

Copyright 2017 B.T. Gage

Published by B.T. Gage

Updated and Revised 2020

License Notes

All rights reserved. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the author. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This story is a work of fiction. With the exception of recognised historical figures, all characters and events are the product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Discover other titles in this collection by B.T. Gage:

Angie Webber: Leaving Mistysprings

Gertie Sands: Overcoming the Storm

Josey O’Bryan: Holding Fast the Promise

Cover design by GAGE deSIGNs.

https://www.facebook.com/GAGEdeSIGNsOFFICIAL/

Table of Contents

Preview Backstory Chapter

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Final Words

About B.T Gage

Other books by B.T Gage

Connect with B.T Gage

Angie Webber: A Simple Introduction

Preview Backstory Chapter

"Susie, I did it!"

Angie burst in through the back door of the house of her dearest companion.

"Did you really?" Susie, who was baking bread in the kitchen, looked up and grinned at her friend.

"Yes, it’s in the mail, and there’s nothing more to be done about it." With a deep breath, she seated herself on the tall stool and watched as Susie placed the finished loaf on the piping hot stove. Washing her hands, she poured some freshly made lemonade into the tall glasses, grabbed a jar of cookies, and motioned for Angie to join her at the large wooden table.

"I have to admit that I’m slightly nervous! Here I am in a small farming community so far removed from the professionalism of New York."

"Oh, Angie! Don’t even think like that. You have as good a chance as anyone. Smiling she patted her friend’s hand, Everyone deserves a good education and the right to better oneself. I know those professors must agree or why else would they be there."

"Thanks Susie, I needed the fresh perspective! She smiled and took a sip of the ice-cold lemonade, This is still my favourite! Your mama makes the best lemonade around!"

"She made that especially for you! Now, listen to me, you’re going to get accepted I just know it."

"Oh, I really do believe it too Suse! She exhaled and placed her near empty glass down on the table. Then, much to Susie’s surprise, Angie stood up with a sudden burst of expectant energy, And to get into the prestigious Teachers Training Academy in New York City will be the best possible way to complete my schooling!" She exclaimed, finishing with a bow and dramatic waving of her arms for greater emphasis.

"Hear! Hear!" Susie countered. Giggling, they mocked a toast to salute the moment.

Getting up from the table, the girls quickly tidied the kitchen and made their way into Susie’s bedroom. Once situated on the floor—as comfortably as possible on their knees at the bottom of the bed—Susie opened up the lid of her beautifully hand carved hope chest. Gently they lifted out the dresses that they had been working on together. Very soon the different pieces of material, pins, patterns, and threads had been placed into groups upon the bed. From there the chat turned excitedly to Susie’s upcoming wedding.

"Oh Susie, I’m so happy you’re marrying my cousin; we will finally be family by name, just as it ought to be! Angie’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at her friend, Oh and off course, he’s such a wonderful person too!"

They giggled and tee-he’d, overcome with joy. Gushing with delight Susie held up her wedding dress and showed Angie the progress that had been made since last week. I keep having to pinch myself Ange, to make sure it’s not a dream. With a laugh she continued, I’m going to marry Levi and you’re going to go to New York, and come back and be the school Mistress! Both of our dreams are coming to pass!

They hugged and cried some more—then with a new sense of delight, set about finding a cosy spot on the bed to sit and continue their special task.

Picking up the pattern and different pieces of her blush pink bridesmaid dress, Angie found where she had left off and with a skilled hand threaded the needle and began to sow. Together they chatted and worked on their dresses for the rest of the afternoon.

——

After saying goodbye to Susie’s mother, and thanking her for the lemonade Angie started out on the journey home. She had come into town with her brother that morning, and so found herself free to walk the few miles home alongside the bubbling creek. Once out of sight, she took off her shoes and stockings and turned the hem of her skirt up a few twists. With delight, she stepped into the cool, fresh water of the creek, and proceeded to walk upstream singing aloud as she went.

Coming up to the familiar bend in the little river that signaled her exit place, Angie began to make her way across the rushing current to get out the other side.

"Miss Webber, indeed!" A deep voice rang out.

Startled, Angie looked up but miscalculating her step fell headlong into the water. Gasping she spluttered and splashed until she found her footing. Seconds later a strong arm was assisting the rather wet and bedraggled looking Angie out onto the grassy bank.

"Angie, I’m so sorry!" Levi half-laughing, apologised.

"Levi Webber, that is not funny, how could you do that to me! Angie scolded, I’m soaked, my mama is not going to be amused to see me coming in like a naughty child!" Looking up at her cousin she paused, and then the two erupted into hearty laughter.

"Oh, your face, Ange! I wish I had one of those portable cameras, like the news-reporter from the city has!"

"Well, I’m glad you don’t. Imagine my shock, thinking a man was seeing me, with my skirt rolled up and no stockings on. I’m blushing thinking about it!"

Wiping the tears from his eyes, Levi sat down beside her, How come you’re walking home, what have you been up to today?

Suddenly remembering she squealed, Levi! I mailed my Academy application this morning!

"That's wonderful Ange! He patted her shoulder, No doubt about it, you're going to get accepted. I’ve seen you study with more dedication than some of the boys at medical school—that's the truth!"

"Thanks! She smiled as she stretched out on the soft grass, before continuing. Then I visited Susie to work on wedding preparations."

Gazing up at the sky Levi grinned, She’s some girl, isn't she! With a grin equally as big, Angie agreed.

The two cousins lay in the sun for a bit to let Angie dry out slightly. Having been neighbours for their entire lives—a couple of years apart in age—the pair had spent many a day together, riding horses, climbing trees and dreaming up wild, elaborate plans of their futures.

"Right, I best be going. he stated while getting up. Reaching his hand out to Angie, Levi continued, Come on, I’ll drop you off home."

"Yay! Thanks!" She jumped up, and moments later they were pulling into the familiar lane of Webber’s Carpentry Business and Homestead.

"Tell your Dad, I will be over to see him tomorrow." Levi called over to Angie as he clicked his horse on, back down the lane.

"I will!" She shouted from her spot on the front porch.

With a slight inhale, Angie tried to sneak in the front door and upstairs without being spotted by her mama. Not because she was a hard taskmaster but because Angie herself had just turned twenty-two and ought to be acting more ladylike by now.

It was a good attempt but much to her dismay it didn't work as she had hoped. For just as soon as Angie stepped into the house her mother came out of the library and looked right at her.

"Oh Angela, what have you done to yourself? After explaining the unexpected happening, Angie grinned as her mama burst into laughter. Wait till I get my hands-on Levi, he’ll know what it means to be surprised!" Laughing she made her way to the kitchen to get some warm tea made, while Angie headed upstairs to change.

Moments later they were sitting together around the warm stove, chatting and supping tea. Well, it’s in the Lord’s hands now dear. You sent everything they required and more besides—you’ve most definitely done your best and that’s all anyone can ask for.

"Yes, you're right mama. They said to be prepared to wait a few weeks before getting a response, so I’m going to focus on helping Susie with the wedding, and work at keeping my mind off it!"

"You keep rejoicing in the Lord, for that will keep the dark clouds away, she replied, That's what your Mimi always tells me when there's something trying to press on my mind. I can tell you Angie, over the years, there's been many opportunities to worry and fret, but that would accomplish nothing but send a-body to an early grave, so I made the decision to act on her counsel and the Good Lord always filled me with His indescribable peace."

Smiling at her mama, Angie reached over and patted her arm, Thanks mama, He sure is our good, Heavenly Father!

They finished off their tea and began to prepare the evening meal. Angie lovingly looked over at her mama who was checking on the roast beef. Such a strong, wise woman, that as far as Angie could remember, never turned anyone away from her door without first offering up a hot meal and strong mug of coffee, wrapped in a word of encouragement or counsel. With a warm glow inside Angie focused on setting the table, ensuring all was just as her mama liked it.

The evening passed by peacefully with nothing but enjoyable chat and good food. Now Angie found herself snuggled cosily in her bed with kitty at her feet. She looked up at the ceiling and began to dream—not the fast-asleep type of dream, but the wide-awake one, where the walls of your room expand and the ceiling disappears as the world becomes your playground, and anything is deemed to be possible.

Angie smiled to herself as she allowed her imagination free reign. There she was, one year from now a graduate from the Academy of Teacher Training, getting ready to come back home to step into her new role as the School Mistress of Mistysprings!

Rolling over she allowed her drooping eyelids to close, and seconds later fell soundly asleep, confident in the knowledge that her application-letter was making its way across the plains to New York City.

Angie Webber: Leaving Mistysprings

Changing Seasons Collection: Book One

B.T. Gage

Chapter One

Tick-tok, tick-tok, tick-tok. The steady beat of the old Grandfather clock in the downstairs hall was normally the only sound to be heard at this early hour of the morning. However, today was no normal day for Miss Angela Webber. The young lady, who in her twenty years of life had never left the familiar boundaries of Mistysprings—or if she had, it was only to travel the short distance to the nearest town—was now about to travel across the country on a steam train to the heaving metropolis of New York City.

You’re actually doing this! Angie spoke to her reflection as she gazed into the bathroom mirror. You are going to finish your studies in the famous New York! She felt her cheeks burn and excitement stir in her belly at the sound of her words. She quickly fixed her hair up securely and finished the process by pining her simple, cotton bonnet in place.

The tick-tick-to of the clock was almost making her nauseous this morning.

This is not a moment for panicking about the unknown, Angela. She chided herself, for she wanted to spend as much time as possible enjoying her last morning at home. Looking ahead Angie noticed light beginning to stream into the hall; the sun had started to rise, signaling not only the dawn of a new day but the dawn of this new season in her life. She paused to gaze through the large window, which captured her familiar surroundings perfectly, like a beautiful painting hanging grandly in the hall.

To the East stood a strong, magnificent line of trees that had always given her a sense of protection, like sentries on duty with a mandate to let no harm enter her beloved valley. And to the West a flourish of activity from grazing cattle, to rushing streams, and large orchards. Then beyond that you would find the thriving, country town itself.

Angie squinted her eyes, picturing it in her mind; there was one mercantile ran by a Mr and Mrs Robinson, which sold just about everything a-body could need and even a few things they didn't! She smiled at the thought of the homely couple, complete opposites in every way, but the greatest of partners they were.

Further down Main Street, on the same side you'd find a bakery and hardware store.

Mmmh… Angie inhaled, her imagination working overtime, I can almost taste the apple pie. She whispered to the kitten playing around her feet.

Meow. It nuzzled her.

Oh, Do you want me to show you the view. She picked up the soft bundle of fur and gave it a gentle cuddle.

The town also boasted of having the only hotel and restaurant within twenty miles. Depending upon the season this could attract some unsavoury characters, but overall it was an orderly, trouble free community.

On the outskirts of town sits the small white-washed, wooden church where almost everyone congregated each Sunday morning at ten. Last but not least, the little one room schoolhouse with a bright, red roof stands alone. Out of all the buildings, this one has a very special place in Angie’s heart as she spent many a joy-filled day there.

What more could she ever wish for she did not know, surrounded with beautiful oak trees and the bubbling springs—for which it got its name—Mistysprings was her beloved home.

Sighing she turned away from the window before the doubts could return. It’s only a year Angie; come on you can do it, she said to herself. This small community was all she had ever known and so although extremely excited, she was tinged with sadness at leaving family and loved ones behind.

She had faithfully counted the days in anticipation and now it was here, her moment to follow the dream! Well, at least that’s what she told herself many times this past week, as the fear of all things new threatened to overcome and squash every ounce of faith that she had.

Thankfully all those years in Mrs Murphy’s Sunday School class had helped establish her strongly in her relationship with the Lord, and it was from Him that she drew her strength and courage again on this special morning

Ok, that’s definitely everything packed. Nothing more can fit in that case. She mused to herself as she glanced around her bare-ish looking bedroom. Let’s get this down to the buggy kitty! And with that she heaved her load of precious belongings onto her back and trudged out of the room with the black and tan striped kitten chasing after her.

Hey, I could have got that for you sis! Said Charles, as he met her at the front door.

Her elder brother, and his wife Emma—along with their three-year-old twins, Amelia and Janice and little newborn, Elijah—lived across the field in the old farmhouse that once belonged to Gramps and Mimi Beckensdale, their mother’s parents.

Now retired, her grandparents lived in the little extension that her Dad and Gramps had built onto their house a number of years ago. Retirement had been the plan, but Gramps was not the retiring type-of-man, and so now he helped her dad with the carpentry business. Mimi spent her days quilting, baking, and helping Angie’s mother with the house. It had made for a happy home indeed, and for that Angie was truly thankful to the Good Lord for.

Looking up at her brother, Angie noted that he was indeed quite tanned after a summer working in the fields. Charles was turning out to be a rather good dairy