Pony Express Courtship Read Free Page B

the family, other than their pa had died and that Mr. Russell and Mr. Young had made an agreement before the Pony Express had even been constructed. Seth’s orders were to swear in the boys by having them say the Pony Express rider’s oath and teach them what would be expected from them as Pony Express riders.
    He flipped the reins over the horse’s backs and continued down the hill. The sooner they got to town, the sooner they could get home. He didn’t like leaving the other two boys at the house any more than Jacob did, but without a bar, the animals were out in the open and needed protection from not only Indians and bandits, but also other wild animals.
    Seth felt the restrained movement as Rebecca shifted on the seat beside him. His gaze moved in her direction and caught the profile of Jacob, who sat beside his mother. The boy’s jaw was clenched and his eyes directed straight ahead. Rebecca had rested a slender hand on her son’s leg in silent comfort.
    Returning his attention back to driving, Seth inwardly sighed. He and Jacob would have to sit down and talk about the boy’s attitude. Seth was sure there was more to it than just not wanting to leave his brothers behind.
    â€œWould you drop Joy and me off at the general store?” Rebecca asked.
    His gaze moved over the town. There was just a dirt road, and plain wooden-faced stores lined the streets. Smoke billowed from the top of each one and the smell of pine teased the air around them. At least they could warm up a bit before they started the long trek back. The church sat on the hill to the right side of them and he could tell by the children playing in the yard that it also served as the town school. Why weren’t the smaller Young children in attendance?
    Since it really wasn’t any of his business, Seth chose to answer Rebecca’s question instead of asking one of his own. “We can do that.” He directed the horses down Main Street and continued to study the dusty town.
    A saloon stood tall at the far end of the settlement. Not that he’d ever go there, but he knew the boys were of an age that they might be tempted. Seth mentally made a note to talk to the boys about such places, after they repeated the oath. As their boss he didn’t want them coming to town and getting drunk. Best to nip that sort of behavior in the bud. It would not be allowed.
    He pulled the wagon up in front of the general store and hopped down. Seth turned to help Rebecca down but Jacob assisted her, his gentleness evident in the way he held her hand until she got her balance. Clayton had climbed out of the wagon and helped Joy down, as well. Benjamin scrambled over the side.
    â€œWhoa! Where do you think you’re going?” Seth asked, moving to block the boy’s descent.
    Benjamin jerked away from him. “To help Ma.”
    â€œNot today. I need every man’s help to load lumber and nails.”
    Benjamin’s little chest puffed out. “I get to help?”
    â€œYou’re one of the men,” Seth said, walking back to the front of the wagon.
    He grinned as Benjamin whispered, “Did ya hear that, Ma? I’m one of the men.”
    At least he’d made good points with one of the Young men.
    * * *
    Rebecca took Joy’s small hand within hers and entered the general store. A bell rang out announcing their arrival. She inhaled the onslaught of scents that greeted her. Spices and leather fought the strongest for her attention. Colorful burlap flour bags lined the middle shelf, right at eye level, and she ran a hand over them, her mind zipping along with plans for Joy’s next dress. The material proved soft to the touch and Joy loved to spin around, showing off the big flower design.
    Joy’s hand tightened on hers as if giving a warning and she looked up. The owner of the general store, a mountain of a man, approached them. She glanced down at her daughter, wondering if Joy felt the same