When Melanie first laid eyes on the Morgan property she knew it was what she what she had always envisaged for herself. From the quaint white-washed house to the stables and the horses grazing peacefully in the corral, it was perfect. After all the grand houses she had seen and visited in Minneapolis, she was more envious of Louise Morgan for her simple ranch than any of them.
After a hearty Sunday dinner of roast chicken and after the children had been put down for afternoon naps, the Kid took Howard on an extensive tour of the property, even going to the trouble of saddling a couple of horses so he could show the new banker the neighboring land he hoped to buy in order to extend the paddocks. Lou knew they would be gone for some time, for when the Kid started talking of expansions and plans for the property he would be a while. In the front parlor of the house she told Melanie so as she placed a tea tray before her.
"I hope he won't bore your husband to tears," Lou smiled, pouring her guest a cup. Melanie laughed softly to herself and shook her head.
"Don't feel bad for Howard, I'm sure he's having the time of his life."
Louise wasn't sure if she was being serious or not, in fact she was having trouble understanding Melanie Brooks at all. She spoke guardedly, often too politely, as if not willing to reveal her true thoughts. And when she spoke of or to her husband her tone changed noticeably, so Lou was glad that for the moment he was out of the house so she might get to know the young woman properly. She was her closest neighbor after all, and since Adam had been born Louise's movements were somewhat restricted. Her dearest friend Rachel had recently come for a visit but could only stay a week before she had to return to Denver, and Louise missed her company. She wasn't convinced this city-bred woman would be much of a substitute though.
"How are you settling in at the old Wilson place?" Lou was unsure how to begin a conversation with the placid Mrs. Brooks, who was surveying the room. She was surprised when the mere mention of the place brought a distinct glow to Melanie's eyes.
"It is everything I hoped for… and more," she replied, the faintest of smiles on her lips. "I simply couldn't bear living in town, that wasn't the reason I came out West."
Louise nodded knowingly. "It has that affect on some people. I remember the first time I set foot in Sweetwater, the first time I ever saw this property… I thought there wasn't a more beautiful place on earth. Not many others feel the same way though," she blushed.
"Oh, but I do!" Melanie beamed. "I know exactly what you mean… I don't know how you could ever leave this place, Louise."
Lou smiled, her fears allayed. Perhaps Melanie Brooks would turn out to be a friend after all. The cool exterior had been replaced by a sincerity and conviction that Lou didn't question. She knew very well what it felt like to be so taken with the West.
"I don't intend to, not now. We have too many memories here."
"Howard mentioned this used to be a Pony Express station? It's hard to imagine this place as anything other than a horse ranch. It's perfect." Melanie set her cup down and moved to the window, where a gentle breeze kissed the lace curtains.
"You didn't see it a few years ago when we were setting up, there was just our old rundown bunkhouse, a barn and this house…" Lou sat back in her chair and smiled at the memory. "Kid and I have certainly seen a lot of changes. Things have changed since the days of the Express."
"Oh? Did Kid ride for the Pony Express?"
"Hmm hmm, that's how we met in fact." Lou's eyes twinkled as walked over to the mantle above the fireplace and picked up a framed photograph. "Here."
Melanie peered at the yellowed picture of a group of young men standing outside the ranch bunkhouse, and underneath was written "Sweetwater Station 1860". Next to them was a fair haired woman that could not possibly be Louise, but she was able to recognize the young earnest face of the Kid staring back at her.
"They're all so young."
"Yes, we were," Louise replied, knowing full well that she had not been noticed in the picture. Melanie's face was puzzled, so she felt compelled to clarify. "Second from the left."
"It's not…" gasped Melanie, looking more closely. The boy was smaller than the others, wearing a dark hat pulled down firmly on his head and a pair of spectacles. With arms crossed firmly over his chest he was not so conspicuously different from the others, until Melanie saw the familiar features under the disguise. "Louise, it's you!"
"Yes, ma'am, though in those days I went by Lou. I don't suppose Russell, Majors and Waddell would've hired me otherwise." She laughed and Melanie's bewilderment and replaced the photograph above the fireplace.
"You actually dressed up like a man and rode for the Pony Express?" Melanie had never heard of such a thing, not in real life anyway. There were stories of rough women of the West, but she couldn't equate them with the lady before her.
"I didn't have much choice back then," Lou said, no longer keen to explain any further. "It was just something I had to do."
"I think it was very courageous of you," Melanie said abruptly, her voice steeped in admiration. She had discovered what made Louise Morgan different from other women she had met. Louise Morgan was the kind of person that did things Melanie only dreamed of. All of a sudden she was overwhelmingly grateful that the Morgans were their closest neighbors, for she was fascinated with Lou's life and curious to know more. "I would never be able to do what you did."
"You don't know that," replied Lou, embarrassed.
"Louise, I've lived my whole sheltered life in the city, where the most interesting thing that happens is a new dress pattern." Melanie spoke frankly and passionately, pushing aside convention that forbade such talk with a newly made acquaintance. "All I ever wanted was adventure and excitement… the kind of life that you have lead. I came out here in the hopes of finding my dreams, to find out who I am."
"Then I'm sure you will." Lou took her hand and squeezed it, feeling an immediate affinity for her new neighbor. She saw much of herself in Melanie Brooks, the same drive and ambition. At that moment she knew they were destined to be the best of friends.
"I have a long way to go, I don't even know how to ride a horse, let alone run a farm."
"Then we have to do something about that. I'll teach you," Louise stated simply. Melanie eyed her carefully, unsure whether or not to believe her.
"That's very kind of you, Louise, but…"
"But nothing. If you're going to live on the land then you have to know how to ride, anyone will tell you that."
"Howard would never approve."
"Do you only do what Howard approves of?" It was more of a challenge than a question, but Lou could not stop herself from saying it.
Melanie smiled gratefully at her new companion, a new wave of excitement rising within her. "When do you think we could start?"