Under the Desert Sky Read Online Free PDF Page A

the blackbirds take over the nests.”
    â€œYou don’t really mean they go to bed at five o’clock!”
    â€œWell, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, but we don’t see much of them after I serve supper.”
    â€œYou just wait, my friend. I’m going to see that all of that is changed. I have a big surprise for you.”
    â€œNo, no, no—no matchmaking.”
    â€œWell, I have to admit Baron Goldwater wasn’t right for you, but I’ll find someone you’ll like. I promise.”
    â€œGwen, please don’t do that. I don’t have time. I have too much to do.”
    â€œWe’ll see.” Gwen untied her horse. “Don’t forget, Will, my girls need you to help with the cookies tomorrow night. You make your mama come, all right?”
    â€œI will.” The little boy went back to his toys.
    â€¢Â Â â€¢Â Â â€¢
    â€œWhat time will your people be arriving?” Christian asked as he helped Yhomas move extra chairs into the parlor.
    â€œI’ve said seven, but out here, everyone is on their own time.”
    â€œWhen they start arriving, I’ll go out and see how July is getting along.”
    â€œNo, no. I’d like you to stay. With all the experience you’ve had in the shadow of the Colossus, you might be able to offer a suggestion or two.”
    â€œThe Colossus—I haven’t heard Rhodes called that in a long time.”
    â€œYou call Marie ‘Mrs. Van Koopmans’, but it’s just ‘Rhodes’ for your employer.”
    â€œFormer employer. Rhodes and I aren’t exactly on the best of terms right now. That’s one of the reasons I came to America.”
    â€œWell, then, there’s no reason you have to hurry back to Cape Town, now, is there?”
    â€¢Â Â â€¢Â Â â€¢
    When Phoebe and Will arrived at the Prinsen home that evening, they were met by Andy Patterson, who was supervising those parking the visitors’ vehicles. One part of Prinsen’s side yard had been turned into a parking lot, and it was filled with conveyances of all kinds.
    â€œGood evenin’, Miz Sloan,” Andy said as Phoebe arrived in her buggy.
    â€œHello, Mr. Patterson.” Phoebe passed over the reins as she stepped to the ground. She reached back to help Will.
    â€œI can get down myself, Mama.” Will jumped down. “Do you think my friends are here yet? We’re going to make cookies!” Will started to run toward the house.
    â€œWill, wait!” Phoebe called. “You can’t go into someone’s house unless they tell you we can come in.”
    â€œI don’t reckon he’s much of a problem, seein’ as how folks are comin’ and goin’ this whole evenin’ long,” Andy said.
    â€œNevertheless, Will has to learn some manners.” Phoebe then said to Will, “You wait right there, young man.”
    Will stopped and waited until his mother caught up with him. Reluctantly, he let her take his hand.
    â€œPhoebe,” Katie Prinsen said as she opened the door. “I’m so glad you could join us.”
    â€œWhere are Hannah and Adeline?” Will asked. “We’re going to make cookies.”
    â€œOh, yes, I’ve heard about that. Do you think you’ll have enough to share? If this meeting lasts a long time, I’ll bet these men will like a cookie later on.”
    â€œOh, dear,” Phoebe said. “Are there no other women?”
    â€œI expect a couple more ladies, but you’re the only woman landowner, I believe. The meeting is convening in the parlor, so why don’t you go on in while I take Will to the girls.”
    When Phoebe stepped into the parlor, she saw at least two dozen others. She recognized most of the farmers and ranchers and several of the businessmen in town. The Salt River Valley had four ostrich farmers, but Prinsen and Phoebe were the only two now present.
    â€œMrs.