Pony Express Courtship Read Online Free PDF

relationship with the Young family had been tense, but maybe now it would get smoother.
    Seth turned back to the wagon in time to see Jacob exit the store. The young man’s clenched jaw and burning eyes spoke volumes as to his anger. So whatever had set off Mrs. Young had just happened to Jacob.
    His gaze moved to the store, where a big man now stood in the doorway. The man wore a shopkeeper’s apron but something about him screamed he wasn’t your typical salesman. No, this man meant trouble for the Young family and now with his eyes boring into Seth, Seth knew he meant trouble for him, too.
    â€œHere you go, Ma.” Jacob set the box on top of the lumber and then looked to Benjamin. “Lead the way home, Beni.” He offered the boy a smile that didn’t quite meet his eyes.
    When Jacob fell into step beside Seth, Seth asked, “Want to talk about it?”
    â€œNope.”
    That was answer enough for Seth. “Fair ’nough, but if you change your mind...” He let the rest hang between them.
    Jacob nodded his understanding. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that his brothers were excited about something and asked, “What has them all in a dither?”
    Seth grinned. “Just told them they can choose a horse when we get back.”
    Again Jacob nodded and then fell silent. His brow furrowed between his eyes. Seth realized that in a day, the Young family’s lives had been changed.
    He could relate to change; his life had also been altered in the past few months. On her deathbed, his grandmother had made him promise to marry. He’d ordered a mail-order bride and then his grandmother had died. His mail-order bride, Charlotte, had disappeared. He’d quit his job at the St. Joseph railroad and begun his mission to locate her. He’d been robbed by outlaws and it had been necessary to find a job. Thus the reason he now found himself an employee of the Pony Express as the station keeper on the Young farm. He would work and save his money so he could continue the search for Charlotte because he had to fulfill his promise to his grandmother.
    The air seemed to match Jacob’s mood and turned frosty. Seth sighed inwardly. He had a job to do and knew he couldn’t do it alone, so silently he turned to his Maker. Lord, this family’s emotions are all over the place. Please, help me to bring some kind of peace to them while I’m here.

Chapter Three
    A nger radiated from her oldest son. She’d felt it all the way from town. As she climbed down from the wagon, Rebecca called to him, “Jacob, will you help me carry the supplies into the house?” Rebecca had a feeling she knew what was wrong with Jacob.
    â€œSure, Ma.” Jacob took the box from the wagon and followed her up the porch steps.
    â€œBoys, let’s unload this wood,” Seth ordered. His strong voice had her other sons hurrying to do his bidding.
    Rebecca held the door open for Joy and Jacob. Once inside she said, “Joy, go change into your work clothes.” Then she headed for the kitchen, where the real work awaited her.
    She allowed Jacob to place the box on the kitchen counter and then asked, “What happened in the general store that upset you so?”
    Jacob met her gaze. “Do you have any idea what they are saying about you and Seth?” He lowered his eyes as if realizing for the first time how personal this situation was for his mother.
    â€œI have a good idea of what Mr. Edwards says.” She began to unload the box.
    Anguish filled the young boy’s voice. “It isn’t right.”
    Rebecca sighed. “No, son, it isn’t, but I can’t stop people from talking.” She met his gaze. “We need the money the Pony Express pays to provide a future for you boys and the experience it offers could be useful later in life. You’re going to make history, I just know it. Papa John thought so, too.”
    â€œWell, we may not be