Ellen's Choice

By Mildred Colvin

Although she loves Daniel, and everyone expects them to marry, she’s in no hurry. Ellen Bartlett wants to continue teaching the children of Willtown, Oregon, in 1862.

Daniel Morgan, her best friend, thinks they should marry as soon as possible, but she doesn’t want to lose the privilege and joy of teaching.

Wesley Spencer, Daniel’s sworn enemy, has returned to Willtown after a long absence and would like nothing better than to make Ellen his wife. Only Daniel stands in his way.

What should Ellen do? She loves two wonderful, Christian men who are as much at odds now as they ever were as boys. She could remain single and teach school the rest of her life. Or she could follow the leading of her heart and seek God’s will. After all, the rest of her life is a long time. The decision is Ellen’s choice.

Ellen’s Choice is a sweet inspirational romance set during the Civil War in Oregon and touches on the continuing stories of characters in Momma’s Bible, Home’s Promise, and Love’s Forgiveness.

While many were still traveling the Oregon Trail, Ellen, Wesley, and Daniel have lived in the Pacific Northwest for many years. Faith-based, clean and wholesome, this story will touch your heart as Ellen must decide her future and choose the man who is right for her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mildred Colvin
• Release date: Sep 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005920852

Mildred Colvin

Mildred Colvin is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother to three beautiful girls. She started writing when her children were young as they asked for stories. Not from a book. No! They were only satisfied when she made up stories. As the stories grew, she wrote some down and sent them off to magazines. Eight were published before her imagination turned toward love stories, which is what she enjoys reading.She has been writing Christian or clean and wholesome romance since 2001. Over the years several readers from pre-teens to older kids in their eighties and nineties have written expressing their interest in her books. She always loves to hear about one of her stories touching someone's heart. Her purpose in writing is to encourage, entertain, and bless someone else.She lives in the United States and sets her characters in the middle states from Texas to Nebraska and Iowa and reaching across Illinois to Colorado. She also has an Oregon Trail series, but the Great Plains states are her favorite setting.She is active in a very special critique group and has written and published over 60 books in both historical and contemporary themes, and plans to continue writing as long as God allows. He has been good in giving her many ideas for stories. Maybe more than she will be able to finish, but she enjoys each one.Please take a moment to visit her website at www.mildredcolvin.weebly.com, and sign up for her Romantic Reflections Newsletter to learn when new books are released. Also learn of promotions and free books through her newsletter.And take a look at her books. You might find something you don't want to put down.

Book preview

Ellen’s Choice

Oregon Trail series

Book 4

Mildred Colvin

Historical Christian Romance

Ellen’s Choice

Copyright©2020 by Mildred Colvin

All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo ©Mildred Colvin

Smashwords Edition

Scripture portions are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events is entirely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from its author except for brief quotations in printed reviews.

Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

Contents

Note from the Author

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

About the Author

Sneak Preview of Love’s Healing-Book 5

More from the Oregon Trail series

Note from the Author

Thank you for selecting the fourth book in the Oregon Trail series-Ellen’s Choice. I hope you enjoy Ellen Bartlett’s story as she is forced to make a choice between two men she admires and respects. She cares for both Daniel and Wesley and finds it difficult to recognize true love.

To learn more about Mildred Colvin’s writing, receive news of discount promotions, free books, and book releases, sign up for Romantic Reflections newsletter at:

http://www.mildredcolvin.weebly.com.

Happy reading!

Mildred

DEDICATION

Dedicated to the many who have selected Mama’s Bible, Home’s Promise, and Love’s Forgiveness to read and enjoy. I long wanted to write about Ellen, Daniel, and Wesley, but the story was hidden until recently when I was able to discover what had happened in their lives. May you and many more find enjoyment in Ellen’s Choice and look forward to at least two more stories what might complete my version of the Oregon Trail. They will be Love’s Healing and Mother’s Tears.

Chapter 1

Oregon Territory, late April, 1862

Ellen Bartlett brushed a stray lock of hair from her eyes as a lone horseman galloped across the field in the same direction she and her parents were traveling. He seemed intent on overtaking her father’s buggy but was far enough from them Papa and Mama didn’t seem to notice. She leaned forward to get a better look.

Surely her imagination played tricks on her. Or perhaps it was the Sunday morning sun slanting into her eyes. The distance between them made it impossible to recognize facial features, even though the way he sat his horse was vaguely familiar, as was the careless way he rode.

As she watched, he reined in bringing his mount to a stop then turned toward them, as if his gaze landed directly on her.

She quickly pulled back, her heart pounding, her eyes now turned straight ahead. It wasn’t him. It couldn’t be. He hadn’t been home in ages, several years at least.

Not until the buggy advanced on the corner that led into Willtown did she allow herself another glance. There he sat in the same spot, his face turned their direction again as if he’d been staring at them, or her, the entire way.

Pulling in air and releasing it slowly to calm her heart, Ellen fixed her mind and attention toward the little church near the center of their small town. The only distraction she allowed was when they drove past the one-room schoolhouse where she spent most of her time teaching the children of the area. Seeing the school calmed her as her even breathing hadn’t. If she had her way, she’d be Willtown’s school teacher for many years to come, just as she’d been for the last five wonderful years.

Watching a child’s eyes brighten as they learned something new would never grow old. Taking a young student from their first attempt at learning the alphabet into the first reader through the second and third, then on to reading anything they wanted was beyond description and something she didn’t want to give up. But if Daniel got his way, she would have to.

As if thinking of him brought him to life, the Morgan buggy rolled to a stop by theirs when Papa drove in to the churchyard.

Daniel held the reins. Melissa Fulbright, his new foster sister, sat between him and Susanna Donovan. His parents occupied the second seat. All waved and called out greetings, which the Bartlett family returned.

After he stepped out, Daniel reached up for Melissa. She was a dainty girl who could easily pass for fifteen, but Daniel claimed she was almost twenty. Maybe her youthful appearance was the reason she was still unmarried. As quickly as the thought entered Ellen’s head, she chased it out. She had no business criticizing a girl whose family had suddenly been snatched away. Getting married so quickly after losing her parents and younger sister would likely not be ideal, anyway. She needed this time for grieving. Besides, every girl should be allowed to marry whoever they wanted without being forced to accept the first offer to come their way. Wasn’t that exactly what she expected for herself?

Next Daniel helped Susanna from the buggy, although she needed little help. She’d lived with the Morgans since she was five years old after both her parents and a brother died on the trail to Oregon. Now, she was a mischievous fifteen-year-old who served as a helpful assistant to the younger children at school.

Good morning, Ellen. Daniel stepped to her side. You look nice.

Thank you. She smiled, hoping her amusement didn’t show. Daniel was a wonderful man. What he lacked in giving compliments, he made up for with his sincerity and kindness. You also look nice. She turned to the girl at his side. And you are as pretty as ever, Melissa.

Thank you. The girl dropped a quick curtsy. Her gaze swept toward Daniel before returning to her. I don’t suppose I’ll ever be as pretty as you, though.

Ellen chuckled. Daniel, have you not told Melissa how pretty she is?

Uh, I suppose so. He turned toward the small red-head as if only then noticing her presence. Yeah, but we should get inside now. Church will start soon. Come on, Suzy.

The adolescent girl straightened with a tiny blue flower pinched between finger and thumb and strolled toward them. She made a picture with her golden blonde hair pulled back and curls cascading down her back. Already the older boys at school cast smiles her direction. I’m ready anytime you are.

Their parents were already halfway to the log building, the men following the ladies, and both sets chatting away as if they hadn’t seen each other in weeks.

Ellen smiled as her mother gestured with her hands while she talked. The two families had made the journey to Oregon in the same wagon train and had been friends from the beginning. It was good they’d been able to settle close to each other. They and several others who journeyed with them founded Willtown and helped it develop and grow. They’d scarcely built cabins to live in before starting a school for their children. She’d been privileged at fifteen to attend the new school. Ten years later, she held the honor of teaching others. She lifted her head and walked with Daniel and Melissa to church.

Daniel’s sister, Rachel, came toward them as soon as they stepped inside. She smiled at Daniel but gave each of the three girls a hug. Looks like my favorite brother is in pleasant company this morning. It’s so good to see all of you.

It’s good to see you too. Ellen returned Rachel’s hug before she turned to greet the Douglas family. Their oldest daughter hurried to Susannah, and the two girls scooted off to sit in their usual place.

Come on, let’s sit. Daniel touched Ellen’s back and guided her toward a seat on the far side of the building near the middle. She went in first. He sat on the bench beside her, and Melissa squeezed in next to him.

It was this way every Sunday morning. Melissa stuck to his side as if glue held her in place. Ellen touched her lips to keep from smiling. Not that it was funny, but the poor girl was so smitten with him she couldn’t see straight, or she relied on him for stability. Ellen didn’t mind, but she wondered what others thought. Not that it mattered. Most folks probably didn’t notice, anyway.

Good morning, everyone. Amorita Douglas stepped to the front. Her red, curly hair seemed in disarray as it stuck out in all directions, but her smile was full of joy. Let’s begin with a song of praise to our Heavenly Father as we sing our pastor’s favorite song. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.

A beautiful melody rose from the organ as the skilled fingers of the organist played the much-loved hymn. Amorita led the congregation in every verse.

As they reached the last one, Ellen sensed movement on the other side of the church near the door. She turned slightly as someone slipped in and sat on the back seat. Barely suppressing a gasp, she turned back around, thankful when Daniel didn’t seem to notice.

He was here. The man on horseback was Wesley Spencer. Since he now sat on the back seat at church, she was sure of it.

Another glance at Daniel showed oblivion as he continued to sing. He and Wesley were arch enemies ten years ago, but Wesley had disappeared for a while. He’d come back for a year, but left again. It’d been years since she’d seen him. And still just knowing he was so close set her heart pounding. He’d fascinated her when they were fifteen and sixteen, but only because he was always in trouble and causing trouble for Daniel. To her young mind, he was exciting while Daniel was dependable. An admirable trait that seemed boring then.

She focused on the church service as her heart continued to prance like a racing horse in her chest. Finally, by keeping her face forward and her mind on Tommy’s message, she felt more in control of her wayward emotions.

Thankfully, Daniel didn’t seem to notice Wesley or her response to him. Worry over his reaction to learning his enemy had returned kept her emotions stirred. But they were grown men now, and last she’d heard, Wesley had made a tremendous change when he turned his life over to the Lord. Besides, he was probably only visiting his family. That must be it. She had nothing to worry about.

Let us stand. Brother Spencer, would you mind dismissing in prayer? Tommy closed his sermon, and she’d scarcely heard a thing he’d said, and remembered none of it. She might have done better if she’d stayed home. Try as she might, her mind continually strayed to the man sitting on the back seat.

As she stood with the others, and Jed Spencer prayed, Ellen peeked around Daniel. Her heart stopped when she looked into Wesley’s face. Then it took off faster than before. She quickly jerked toward the front and closed her eyes. What if Wesley came home to stay? The urge to take another look was almost more than she could control.

~*~

Wesley bowed his head when pink bloomed on Ellen’s smooth pale skin, but her image remained while his father’s prayer continued. Did Tommy know what he was doing when he called on Pa to dismiss in prayer? He surely knew Pa had never been a man of few words, whether praying or voicing his opinion. If he wanted a long-winded prayer, he’d picked the right man. Pa could out-pray any two preachers and still have more to say.

Another minute passed, and the temptation to take one more peek at the other side of the church was more than he could resist. A slight shift of his head, and he looked into the prettiest sky-blue eyes he’d ever seen.

With more bravado than he felt, he held Ellen’s gaze as she appeared frozen in place, her eyes locked with his. He refused to turn away, mentally daring her to, and was surprised when this time she didn’t. As if watching a young doe that might run at any moment, he stood still, letting not one muscle twitch in his body or his face.

And Pa kept praying.

All at once, her heart-shaped lips stretched and lifted at each corner into the sweetest smile he’d seen in a long time. He hesitated a moment before returning her smile. Then, as if taking a mind of its own, his right eye blinked before he could stop it.

Again color rose in her face as she turned away. And why not? He’d winked at her while she sat with Daniel Morgan. Were they married?

If so, he hadn’t heard, but why would he? No one knew how he felt. He was uncertain himself. Only when he was near her did those feelings overwhelm him, just as they had back in their school days. But unless Daniel was with the fiery redhead on his other side, she shouldn’t have smiled. From where he sat, it was hard to tell which girl Daniel claimed.

He bowed his head for real this time and joined in an earnest prayer of his own.

Lord, please forgive me. Seems I’ve messed up again. This time with a woman I deeply respect. I know better than to act this way, and I’m sorry. I don’t mean to disrespect You or Ellen.

Words of repentance rose from his heart as he chastised himself for reacting to the one girl he’d always wanted to make a good impression on. He’d blown it for sure. She’d think he was still the same heathen she went to school with.

Even as his words of repentance wound their way toward God’s throne, and peace filled his heart, a new thought occurred. Ellen would have never smiled at a man other than her husband if she was married.

He stopped for a moment, letting the idea settle in his mind, and realized it was the truth. His heart soared and something inside rose as a challenge.

So now, what are you going to do about it?

When an answer didn’t immediately come to his mind, he shifted his attention to the outside door. The last thing he’d want on his first Sunday back in town was to stir up trouble with Daniel. Didn’t really matter if they were married. They were sitting together. Not for a moment did he believe Daniel was with the young redheaded girl. She looked too young for him, anyway.

Challenge or not, he had no business trying to come between Ellen and Daniel. He’d done enough wrong to Daniel to last a lifetime and didn’t intend to start anything else at this point in his life. He’d outgrown all those petty actions that he once thought made him look like the better man. All they’d done was turn everyone against him, including Ellen. No, he shouldn’t yield to the temptation of pursuing the attraction he’d always felt. It wouldn’t be right, and right now