Lois's Risk

by Kimberly Grist

“Do you think the accompanist can take over for at least one dance?” She nodded toward the dance floor.

  “Good idea, I’ll go chat with them to see if we can work something out.” Daniel squeezed her hand, then headed toward the musicians.

  Chapter 16

  “A gentleman who does not contemplate matrimony should not, therefore, be too exclusive in his attentions to any one lady. Self-control in this particular is especially important.”

  Houghton, Walter R. American Etiquette Rules of Politeness

  New York: Standard Publishing House, 1883.

  The clinking of a water glass once again announced that dancing would begin. The musicians took their places and Sheriff Scott called out, “form one circle around the hall. Gents keep partners on your right.”

  Leo escorted Lois to the dance floor while Daniel retrieved his fiddle. He was a talented musician, and she enjoyed watching him almost as much as hearing him play. He grinned, then placed his bow against his violin. The sheriff called out instructions. “Ladies walk three steps to center, curtsy and back to position. Gents walk three steps to center, honor and back to position.”

  Lively, unsuppressed melodies full of random trills, slides and extra bits of flourish flowed from his bow. The sheriff called out, “All Do-Si-Do partners and corners, swing partners and promenade.” Lois concentrated on the calls’ movements as she changed positions and partners for each sequence.

  Daniel played “Buffalo Gals,” “Turkey and the Straw,” and several reels. She caught glimpses of the enjoyment on his face when he played. His bow changed pace. The tune became graceful, elegant and swan-like as he played a waltz.

  Her partner was Doc Benton’s son, B.J., who was a tall, handsome eligible bachelor. This would be the last dance before the wedding couple prepared to leave. She struggled to pay attention to his conversation and searched over his shoulder for Daniel. Applause filled the room while the father of the bride thanked the musicians.

  Lois sighed. I was hoping he would be able to dance one more time. The crowd parted. Daniel walked toward her, lifted his bow and began to play her favorite piece, Liebestraum No. 3 by Frank Listz, a story of unconditional, mature love, portrayed through music. The pianist joined in the notes so pure and sweet. The energy Daniel exuded from his instrument made the sounds come to life. Love as long as you can.

  He knelt upon its completion. His dark eyes met hers. “This past year has taught me a lot of things. One of the most important is that I don’t want to live another day without committing myself to you. I love you. It would be my great joy if you would agree to be my wife. Will you marry me?”

  Lois blinked, her face flushed. “I love you too.”

  Daniel’s eyebrows rose. “Is that a yes?”

  Soft chuckles filled the room. “Of course, yes.” Lois’s cheeks grew pink. The crowd broke into applause and cheers.

  Grinning, Daniel reached into his pocket. “When I looked at rings, I recalled you saying how much you liked your grandmother’s pearls. And when I saw the color of this stone, it reminded me of your eyes.”

  Lois covered her mouth as Daniel retrieved a small box. “When I saw it, I thought of you. The jeweler said it was a flower design.” He placed a ring with six deep blue iolites stones in round cuts, surrounded by natural-seed pearls on her finger.

  She threw her arms around his neck. “It’s beautiful. I love it.”

  Their lips met. For a moment time stood still. “Ahem, ahem,” a throaty cough interrupted their embrace. “Save some of that for after the wedding,” Lois’s father said.

  Chapter 17

  Six Weeks Later

  “A full bridal costume should be white from head to foot. The dress may be of silk, heavily corded satin, or plain silk, merino, alpaca, crape, lawn or muslin. The veil may be of lace, tulle or illusion, but it must be long and full. It may or may not cover the face. Orange blossoms or other white flowers and maiden-blush roses should form the bridal wreaths and bouquets. The dress is high,

  and the arms covered. Slippers of white satin and white kid gloves complete the dress.”

  Houghton, Walter R. American Etiquette Rules of Politeness

  New York: Standard Publishing House, 1883.

  After much discussion, Lois’s father insisted on her waiting six weeks before she married. He pointed his finger and his dark eyebrows joined as one. “I know you love him, daughter. I’ve known it for quite some time. But so many months have passed since your original courtship. Take some time and let the man court you properly.”

  Surprisingly, Daniel agreed. “I would love for the preacher to wed us today, but your pa is right. Besides, I like the idea of wooing my bride.”

  Light from the dressing room in her shop shone through the window, highlighting her mother’s blond hair streaked with white. “Wait one more second before you look.” Her mother adjusted a curl, then turned Lois toward the mirror.

  The white on the ivory silk, floral-brocade fabric blended into a rich creamy shade. The dress was designed with a wide mandarin collar with long, fitted sleeves. The front buttons were covered in matching silk. Her skirt swooshed as she looked over her shoulder at the wide back, box pleats that draped beautifully over the bustle.

  “What do you think of the hemline, Mama?”

  Sunny Weaver appeared in the mirror. “You add the most interesting things in your designs. The details you put in the box pleats are gorgeous.” Her mother’s blue eyes sparkled. “But I can’t wait to see you once you put on my veil.”

  Lois opened the box that contained the veil and band covered in silk. When they unwrapped it several weeks back, they were both shocked at its pristine appearance. She bent her head to allow her mother to secure her veil with a headdress decorated with white beads.

  Tears filled her mother’s eyes. “It seems like yesterday when my mother and I were planning my wedding.” A rap reminded them of the time. “That must be your papa. It’s time to go.”

  ***

  The pianist began to play. Daniel’s niece Helen gave a snaggled tooth smile then threw dried petals along the aisle. She wore a dusty rose dress that coordinated with her matron of honor’s plum-colored gown. Emma gave Lois a quick wink before following Helen.

  Lois swallowed. Suddenly her throat was dry and her knees shook. Her father frowned. “Now is not the time for second thoughts.”

  She nodded. “I’m fine, just nervous.”

  Her father smiled and patted her arm. “That’s to be expected. But it will all be over shortly.” He whispered in her ear, “Don’t tell your mother but I was shaking in my boots when we married.”

  The pianist began the wedding march, and Lois and her father walked slowly toward Daniel. He looked handsome in his dark suit and his new wool vest she had made from a herringbone fabric in brown and plum. He broke into a full grin when she reached his side.

  The pastor extended his arms. “We are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of this company to witness the union of Daniel Allen Lawrence and Lois Belle Weaver in Christian marriage. May our Heavenly Father look down upon this event with His smile of approval. May the Lord Jesus Christ be present and add His blessing. May the Holy Spirit attend and seal these vows in love. For marriage is a gift given by God to promote social order and to increase human happiness.

  “I believe we were all both honored and touched to be part of Daniel’s serenade and proposal. My wife said it was the most romantic thing she’d ever seen.” The corner of his eyes crinkled. “I’ve never been good at that sort of thing. I don’t play an instrument and can’t carry a tune in a bucket. But I love my wife and I tell her so every chance I get. Take advantage of the time you have together and remember to celebrate your love every day.” The pastor smiled. “Who then presents Lois to be married to Daniel?”

  “I do.” Her father’s voice was rough. He placed her hand in Daniel’s. She loved the feel of her soon to be husband’s strong hands. Rough from farm work yet talented hands
with small calluses at the tips of his fingers from hours playing the violin.

  Pastor Nelson read from 1 Corinthians 13, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

  Lois peered into Daniel’s eyes, her heart swelled. The pastor continued, “As a symbol of your union, will you now join hands. Daniel, in taking Lois to be your wife, I require you to promise to love and cherish her, to honor and sustain her, in sickness as in health, in poverty as in wealth, in the bad that may darken your days, in the good that may brighten your ways, and to be true to her until death alone shall part you. Do you promise?”

  Daniel deep baritone answered, “I do.” He squeezed her hands.

  Lois sighed happily while the pastor continued. She was so thankful for her family, especially her mother and brother who gave her the confidence to declare her love. She was blessed. The pastor cleared his throat. His eyebrows rose. “Lois… do you promise?”

  “I do,” she squeaked.

  The pastor took his handkerchief and wiped his brow. “Well, good then. You had me worried.”

  Daniel chuckled. “Me too.” Lois’s cheeks flamed. She had waited for this moment so long; how had she missed the pastor's question? She laughed softly and the congregation joined in.

  Pastor Nelson continued. “Now you may seal your promise to each other by giving and receiving the rings. Daniel, place the ring on Lois’s finger and repeat after me: I, Daniel, take you, Lois, to be my wedded wife—To have and to hold from this day forward. For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health. To love and cherish ‘til death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance. And with this ring, I pledge you my love.”

  Daniel took the ring from his best man Scotty and placed the thin gold band on her finger.

  “Lois, place the ring on Daniel’s finger and be ready to repeat after me.” Pastor Nelson’s eyebrows rose. “Are you ready?”

  The pastor’s eyes twinkled at her nod. “All right then, here we go. I, Lois, take you, Daniel, to be my wedded husband—To have and to hold from this day forward. For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer, In sickness and in health. To love and cherish ‘til death do us part, According to God’s holy ordinance. And with this ring, I pledge you my love.”

  Emma placed Daniel’s ring in Lois’s palm. Her hands shook when she put the ring on his finger. She was happy that he wanted to wear one. He’d said, “I may have to wear it on a chain around my neck while I work, but I like the thought of having a symbol of our love with me.”

  Pastor Nelson extended his arms, “Daniel and Lois, in these moments I have heard you pledge your love and faith to each other. Your friends and family members assembled here have heard you seal your solemn vows of marriage by giving and receiving the rings. Now it is my joy and personal privilege to declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Pastor Nelson shook Daniel’s hand and patted Lois’s back before proclaiming, “Friends and family of the bride and groom, the family would like you to join them in celebrating in the fellowship hall next door. And now it is my pleasure to present to you, Mr. And Mrs. Daniel Lawrence.”

  Daniel tucked Lois’s arm in his and whispered in her ear, “Mrs. Lawrence, I don’t know what I’ve ever done to deserve such a beautiful sweet bride, but I’m mighty grateful to God above for allowing me the privilege.”

  “I’m extremely grateful too. We are truly fortunate.” Lois leaned closer and gave her new husband a dazzling smile.

  From the Author

  In my first novel Rebecca's Hope, I introduced a western town in the late 19th century filled with colorful characters and innovative young women. Lois’s Risk is a continuation of the tale based on Rebecca's friend Lois Weaver has been schooled to comply with society, yet she’s risked everything to become a successful business owner.

  Our story begins several months before Rebecca's wedding and we focus on Lois whose choices go against the nineteenth-century convention of how a woman should behave. Can she summon the courage to take another risk and tell the man she loves how she feels?

  Combining history, humor, and romance with an emphasis on faith, friends, and good clean fun, fans of historical romance set in late 19th-century will enjoy Lois’s Risk a delightful tale of courage and reminds us how God uses adversity for our good in ways we may never expect.

  About the Author

  Kimberly Grist is married to her high school sweetheart, Nelson, who is a pastor in Griffin, Georgia. She and her husband have three adult sons, one with Down syndrome, and they have a passion to encourage others with family members with special needs.

  Kim has enjoyed writing since she was a young girl, however, began writing her first novel in 2017. Inspired by so many things life has to offer one of which includes her oldest son's diagnosis of cancer she finds it especially gratifying to write a happy ending.

  "Suffering is, of course, is my least favorite thing. My objective is not to discuss my struggles specifically but to combine a love of history with biblical principles to produce a clean historical Christian romance, that shows how God uses adversity for our good in ways we may never expect.

  Other Books by Kimberly Grist

  ~o0o~

  Rebecca's Hope

  Raised by her guardian and influenced by the mostly male population of Carrie Town Texas, Rebecca benefited from a forward-thinking, unorthodox education not typical for a young woman in the late Nineteenth century.

  As an adult, she is armed with skills that most would covet, yet she lives in a boarding house, works as a waitress and struggles financially. Most single women in the area didn’t stay single long. Most, but not her. The one man she had said yes to was dragging his feet. The townspeople all agree she needs a husband. Even the young girls in her Sunday School Class have taken action by writing an ad for the paper.

  Wanted: Husband for Rebecca Mueller. **Must be handsome, nice, like children, and live within walking distance of Carrie Town School.

  Will her circumstances change and allow her to hold out for true love?

  ~o0o~

  Emma's Dream

  In my first novel Rebecca's Hope, I introduced a western town in the late 19th century filled with colorful characters and innovative young women. Emma's Dream is a continuation of the tale based on Rebecca's best friend. While other young women in the late nineteenth century are reading about proper housekeeping, Emma studies herd improvement and her cooking skills leave a lot to be desired.

  Our story begins several months before Rebecca's wedding. Circumstances require Emma to take on the household chores which include taking care of her six-year-old twin cousins. Like a double-edged sword, help arrives in the form of Grandma Tennessee who manages a household with ease but whose colorful stories, old wives’ tales and superstitions flow like a river.

  As I researched pioneer life in the late 19th century, I found that superstitions were widely practiced as immigrants migrated and cultures blended. One of my goals as I wrote was to give an accurate account of the period while exposing the inaccuracy of the quotes and beliefs in a humorous way. Hence the birth of the delightful character, Grandma Tennessee.

  Emma's Dream is a story of love that's tested by distance and has the perfect combination of history, humor, and romance with an emphasis on faith, friends and good clean fun!

  ~o0o~

  Maggie’s Strength

  Twenty-year-old Maggie Montgomery, a petite young woman, ahead of her time. She's had a wonderful childhood and enjoyed spending time with her father and five brothers and is happiest working in the smithy with them. A competent cook and housekeeper, as a favor to the local doctor she moves in to assist his wife who is struggling to recuperate from a bout of pneumonia.

  A tomboy at h
eart, she ignores her mother's pleas to dress more appropriately. Until the son returns. A recent graduate of medical school, although handsome the young doctor is stoic and obviously put out that his father has hired her to help his mother recuperate. Sparks fly and suddenly for the first time Maggie is concerned more about how she is perceived by others. especially the young doctor. The question is why? Can they get past their first impressions?

  Fortunately, she draws on unrelenting strength where iron sharpens iron—forging an unexpected result of the romantic kind

  Combining history, humor, and romance with an emphasis on faith, friends, and good clean fun, fans of historical romance set in late 19th-century will enjoy Lois’s Risk a delightful tale of courage and reminds us how God uses adversity to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him.

  ~o0o~

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