Today's Reading
They should have worn their everyday dresses instead of their finest mourning attire. Elena had suggested that. Traveling by stagecoach was notoriously dusty. But her mother claimed they must dress in their finest in order to appear to be in the upper realms of society when they reached Graham Springs.
"As soon as we are settled in, you can forgo the mourning black," she said as they packed their trunk with party finery. "I, of course, will continue to honor your father's memory for the proper length of time, but he would not want his daughters to wallow in sorrow."
Under her spoken words, Elena heard the truth. Gentlemen might not be attracted to someone wearing the black of sorrow. Her mother appeared to be right if the man's scowl across from them was any indication.
With an icy look, her mother lifted her chin as she always did whenever unpleasantness threatened. A lady had no reason to reveal ill manners even if others did. Ivy, on the other hand, smiled at the man. Her sweet countenance made his scowl disappear like mist in morning sunshine.
"I do apologize for my foul mood, madam. Miss." He looked from Mother to Ivy. A bit of his scowl returned as he eyed Elena, apparently not sure whether to address her as a matron or a miss.
Before he made a decision on that, Mother said, "Think nothing of it. This warm weather can worry anyone into a bad humor."
"Yes." He pulled at his collar and then the sleeves of his jacket.
Elena wanted to tell him that he should consider himself fortunate not to be dressed completely in black as they were. Black had a way of collecting heat and keeping it.
He went on. "My wife is forever admonishing me to remember my manners whilst I am traveling, even if things do not go smoothly." He glanced at the man beside him who kept his head leaned into the corner of the coach with his eyes closed. "If only I could be as ready to sleep through the journey as our companion here."
The other man spoke up without opening his eyes. "Best rest while you can. Once the coach begins moving, it can jostle a person into wakefulness."
His voice was so quiet that Elena barely made out his words above the sound of the thumps and creaks of the coach as things were loaded onto it. She had to wonder if he was unwell and hoped somewhat fervently that if so, he wouldn't convey his illness to his traveling companions.
"You speak truth about that." The older man looked as if he might be worrying about the same as he scooted as far as possible from the other man.
The younger man half opened his eyes to look at them. "Best find a hold to keep your seat, ladies, and be prepared. The drivers like a fast start."
"Again, our companion is right. If you are praying ladies, and I would assume you surely are, I'd suggest a prayer that the jehu brandishing his whip and taking this coach down the road doesn't meet up with another reinsman anxious to prove which of them can be fastest with the mail. All at our expense."
"Jehu?" Ivy looked from one man to the other. "What a perfectly odd name. Are you saying the man driving our coach is Mr. Jehu?"
The older man laughed. "The moniker comes from the Bible. Kings, I believe. King Jehu was reputed to drive his chariot without concern for life or limb. Since the reinsmen of these stagecoaches have the same reputation, they have been given the name."
"Without the title of king." The other man smiled at them. "But I'm sure our travel today will be without incident."
"We can hope," Elena said.
"And pray." Her mother appeared to be doing that already as she closed her eyes and bent her head.
"I can't wait for the stage to start." Ivy bounced in her seat and stared out the square opening that served as a window. Mother touched Ivy's arm to remind her of a lady's conduct.
The young man's smile was fuller now. "It must be your first traveling experience."
"We have not previously had need to travel by coach." Mother touched her eyes with a handkerchief.
Elena wondered how sincere her mother's tears were, but then was ashamed of the thought.
"I do beg your pardon for my lack of understanding." He leaned toward Mother. "Forgive my thoughtlessness and for not introducing myself. Andrew Harper at your service. What little I am able to give."
The older man cleared his throat. "William Taylor here. The same as Mr. Harper, I shall be ready to assist you in any way needed during our travel."
He didn't sound quite as sincere as Mr. Harper, but Mother inclined her head. "Thank you. I am Juanita Bradford and these are my daughters, Elena and Ivy." She motioned toward each in turn. "Your kindness is appreciated."
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