Heart of a Hero (H.O.C. #3)

Chapter 9

Harmon Homestead

Lottie helped Corinne ready the children and then they helped ready one another.

“Corinne, where did you find such a lovely gown? I love this fabric and color.” Lottie asked in astonishment as Corinne donned a lavender and cream silk gown with a high lace collar and gloves to match.

“At a little place in Erie run by none other than Mrs. Mamie Patterson and Mrs. Earl Brand.”

“I should’ve recognized their handiwork. It’s lovely!” Lottie exclaimed with enthusiasm.

“I’m glad you think so, because they sent one for you in the palest yellow they could find. They even included the petticoats. I’ll help you into it!” Corinne went to her trunk, removing the gown. “Also, they sent two other dresses and some dresses for you to wear during your expectancy. Just how they manage to spoil you from this far away, I’ll never know. I was certainly surprised when the trunk arrived at my house no less than three days before we boarded the train. The trunk is yours to keep also. I know Ryne will be glad to have less to take back…” Corinne waited for Lottie’s excited expression, but only turned to find one of her dearest, and closest, friends sitting on the bed in tears. “Oh, now…”

“I’m fine, really! It’s this baby. It has me crying my eyes out over the silliest things. I’m so blessed that they thought to send me so much.” Corinne walked a few short steps to Lottie’s side, sitting next to her. She hugged her close for a few minutes.

“I know what you mean. I’m still emotional since having John. It comes with babies. Now, wash your face and let’s get you dressed. We don’t want David’s beautiful wife to have puffy eyes during her first social with her husband, do we? No! Of course not!” Corinne patted her knee in a motherly gesture. Lottie perked up at the sweet encouragement as they stood and began dressing for the social at Fort Hays.

*****

David donned his Cavalry Dress Uniform, complete with black jacket and blue pants. His brass buttons and other fixtures were shined to perfection, as were his riding boots. His black Cavalry Stetson, with the crossed swords on front and gold rope around, was shaped and brushed with a coarse brush to remove any and all lint.

He took a long look in the mirror before donning his hat. He then spied Lottie in the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen her wear. Normally she wore work dresses, except for church, but didn’t wear the fancier clothes. He wasn’t even aware that she owned such gowns. Now, her coffee colored skin shone beneath the pale yellow hoop skirted gown with white lace trim and a neckline that would make him the envy of every man in attendance during tonight’s social.

“Lottie, you’re breathtaking. In fact, just shut the door and we’ll stay home and see how long it takes me to undo all the work it took you and Corinne to get you into that spectacular dress.”

“Oh, David, do you really like it?” Lottie, wide-eyed and innocent, asked.

“Like it? Lottie, my love, it makes me want to …” He whispered the rest in her ear.

“David. You’re incorrigible.” She declared, but then kissed him.

“Why, thank you, Ma’am.” He laughed and bowed low.

“Hey, you two!” From the main room, Ryne’s mirthful banter interrupted their private moment. “You ‘bout ready? My wife would like to dance. Tonight.”

David responded with a seductive grunt. “Tonight, sweet wife.”

“You promise?” She smiled, taking his arm as he put his Cavalry Stetson on with the other hand. A broad and telling smile was her answer.