he would come. Would he be alone like most of the unmarried men or did he know a young lady to invite? She hoped he would come alone.
And he did.
Her pulse quickened when she saw him striding up the meadow holding a lunch wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. She longed to invite him to join them. Yet, she felt sure that Martin’s reaction would make it awkward. And to leave the group and join him would be rude.
Her quandary was settled as the pastor spotted him and called him over inviting Collin to join him and his wife. They were already playing host to another miner whose squashed hat and coarse clothes made Collin look dapper in his brown suit of light wool.
A hush fell over the meadow when the pastor raised his hands towards the heavens, which were blanketed by lacy white clouds. He offered a blessing in which he thanked God for the ample provisions that had allowed this picnic.
When he finished the crowd set to their lunches with enthusiasm—brought about by healthy appetites and high altitude, or so Nancy said.
“And now will you tell me what’s for lunch?” Kathleen asked.
Martin’s long face split into a grin as he extended a box towards her. “You can see for yourself.”
She untied the ribbon and opened the lid. The heady fragrance of yeast biscuit and fried chicken greeted her growing appetite. “It looks wonderful.” She pushed the drumsticks aside to reveal chunks of crisply browned fried potatoes. A plump, inviting orange nestled in a corner of the box, a sweet promise of dessert. Her mouth watered as she brought up the buttery biscuit to take a bite.
Martin was obviously pleased by her enjoyment. He waited for her to taste and exclaim over the biscuit and the chicken before beginning his own meal.
Nancy brought out sausage and thick sliced bread. She and Tom ate with equal relish.
They chatted easily about the town and the weather and what Kathleen could expect of the winter climate. It was good they had brought their thick quilts and sturdy winter coats from St. Louis. Blizzards and heavy snow were common to this valley.
Martin doted upon her encouraged by her approval of his lunch.
Though she found his attention pleasant she could not resist an occasional glance above the tops of red and yellow wildflowers to where Collin sat deep in conversation and looking at ease with his small group. Had he even noticed her?
If the entire afternoon passed without a word to each other, it would be a shame. But would she find a way to get away from Martin without arousing his jealousy?
Her chance finally came when Nancy stood up and dusted her skirt. “I want to introduce Kathleen to some of the church ladies.” She gave Tom a playful nudge. “You two men go play horseshoes for a while.”
Tom seemed eager for a game.
Martin hung back. After a reluctant look at Kathleen he finally followed.
Nancy sucked in a deep breath of the sun-warmed air. “Isn’t this fun?”
“It’s beautiful up here.” Kathleen took in the vibrant colors of the meadow topped by the rounded granite of the mountain peak.
“Better enjoy it while you can. The first snowfall will be here before long.”
The ladies stood together in a large mingled group their conversations rising and falling like the tinkling of chimes in the wind.
Nancy moved in drawing Kathleen with her. She was introduced, questioned, and seemingly approved, probably by her position as Nancy’s friend and as a shopkeeper’s daughter.
Kathleen bided her time keeping an eye on Collin while working away from Nancy. When she reached the edge of the group she was able to slip away unnoticed. She stopped several times collecting handfuls of wildflowers while edging closer to where Collin sat.
He excused himself from his companion and stood.
Kathleen met his gaze and felt as transparent as glass. Her cheeks grew warm. She seized the opportunity to find out more about this young man who had captured her interest. “I’m glad you came. Are