Bryce Van Buren

Unfortunately, Bryce Van Buren had time on his hands. He had planned to have a picnic and spend the better part of the afternoon with the lovely Audra Barkley. Regrettably, that wasn't going to happen.

After being formally introduced and seeing her at three social engagements, he had been convinced that the two of them would make a good match and might possibly have a long, productive future in front of them. In her favor, she was stunningly beautiful, an excellent conversationalist, and the only daughter of the wealthiest family in the San Joaquin Valley. Really, what more could he ask for?

Now, in hindsight, he supposed he should have been more specific in his list of requirements. She had shown up today at the Van Buren ranch dressed like...well...like a cow hand! He had been flabbergasted. From his limited time with her, he could not possibly have guessed that she was such a hoyden. He had been so stunned by her appearance that he had been rendered practically speechless. However, in retrospect, he realized that he probably could have reacted better.

Ah well, his mother and Catherine had explained the reality of the situation to Miss Barkley and seen her on her way. But he could not tear his eyes from the window when he saw her mount her horse. She rode astride! His friends back east would have been astonished. No woman in good society would behave in such a masculine manner, at least not if she expected to continue to be received. A woman astride a horse may as well lie with a man without benefit of marriage; she would be outcast just the same.

And to think he almost began courting her! At this point, he considered it a close shave on his part and resolved to be more careful. His entire future could be affected by his choice of wife. A lady from a well-connected family could very much influence his career. As he had been thinking standing for office, a marriage partner of local stature would be a step in the right direction. And if she was also beautiful and congenial, she could very much be a support to him when he made it to Washington City. One could only think of where James Madison would have been without his wife, Dolley. Of course, there was also the example of Lincoln's union with Mary Todd. That demonstrated that the lady could also be a hindrance as well, so he needed to be careful in his choice.

Well, thankfully, he had avoided that error with Miss Barkley. What a close call it had been.