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and I were married. I knew how you’d feel, and from what you’ve just said, I was right. You would never have approved.” Peter glanced over his shoulder at the three ladies waiting for him on the sidewalk and started backing away. “I’m sorry, Mother, but I must run along now or we’ll all be late. You can meet us at Judge Carey’s office at three, if you are so inclined.”
    “Peter, I’m so hurt that you would leave me out of your plans, especially your marriage! Have you no consideration for your mother at all? What about a wedding?” Clara could hardly speak and was shaking inside. Good thing his father wasn’t here to witness this outrageous behavior!
    “I’m sorry, Mother, but I knew you would just try to change my mind. Go on back now and have your lunch with Mrs. Warren. I’ll see you at three, all right?” His eyes pleaded with hers and Clara felt the pull in her heart, but she was furious with him. “I don’t know, Peter.” She sniffed into her handkerchief. “I just don’t know.” Clara’s voice cracked, then she walked away.
    Peter’s heart felt tight. He did love his mother and he regretted that he hadn’t told her about his correspondence with Catharine. He had been so busy on the farm, and when he was in town to see her, he really hadn’t had much chance to tell her about his life because she was too busy planning it. She wouldn’t have approved in the first place, but now, seeing the slump in her shoulders as she walked away, he knew he’d hurt her. Well, once she saw how wonderful Catharine was, she’d come around.
    He forced a smile as he walked toward Catharine. His heart lurched when he looked into her pretty face. “I’m sorry for what just happened, but Mother will come around,” he said with more assurance than he felt.
    Catharine’s face was lined with concern. “Peter, you never told your mother about me? I’m not sure what to think. I’d prefer not to be kept in the dark.” Her eyebrows arched on her forehead.
    “If my mother had her way in the matter, I would have been a lawyer or statesman instead of a wheat farmer. She wanted to see me marry someone else, but that just couldn’t work.” Peter took Catharine’s arm. “Now, if you please, ladies, follow me. I’m going to get you outfitted for the rugged West, starting at the mercantile.”
    “I can hardly wait,” Greta said with teasing sarcasm. “I don’t believe I’ve ever donned farmers’ clothing before.”
    Peter chuckled, but Catharine hung back. Greta and Anna slowed their steps, not sure whether to follow him or not. “Are you sure your mother will be all right, Peter?” Catharine asked.
    “I believe everything will be fine. We really have no more time to waste since the ceremony is at three,” he said.

     
    Warren’s Emporium sat diagonally across from the Inter Ocean Hotel. The sprawling three-story structure of stone and brick was the largest downtown structure on Sixteenth Street and covered most of the block just north of the Union Pacific depot.
    Following Peter up to the massive entrance doors, Catharine was sure that Mr. Warren had spared no expense on its continuous line of plate-glass show windows to house the displays, which were made even more appealing by the sixty-foot-long skylight. Shopping here would certainly be an adventure, and she felt a tinge of excitement.
    Once Peter ushered the ladies inside Warren’s Emporium, he turned at the sharp intake of breath from Greta and Anna. All of them were impressed. Catharine noticed how proud he seemed and enjoyed the looks given them as he escorted them down the aisle.
    Catharine paused, openly amazed at the modern store. She’d never seen anything quite like this. Peter went to find someone to assist them, promising that he would return in a flash. Anna and Greta seemed to be equally surprised, and Anna motioned with a wave of her hand for Catharine to hurry to where she stood admiring fine linens.
    “Sis, have you ever