I sighed as I looked into the mirror for the fifth time. Was I right to get the purple gingham? Or would the blue have been better? Does it look tacky with the apron? Oh well, it's too late now.

"Dorcas!" Maggie yelled as she ran into my room.

"Margaret Ann Gailen, how many times must I tell you to knock before barging into a room? What if I had been in a state of undress?" I said indignantly.

"T'wouldn't matter. No one was outside the door 'cept me." Maggie said cheekily. "Anyways, Ma wants you to come quick. She says the barns gonna be done raised before we get there."

I sighed. "Maggie, I know you can speak proper English. Why do you persist in using slang? It sounds awful." I grabbed my hat and hurried out the door. I climbed into the wagon, Maggie scrambling after me.

"All ready?" Pa asked as he started the wagon.

"This is the first barn-raisin' we'll have gone to in this town. Aren't you excited Dorcas? After all, young George Straither will be there, and so will Joe Miller, and-"

"Joe Miller is interested in Martha, Ma." I said quietly, knowing that she wouldn't hear me. She prattled on all the way to the barn-raising.

-7-

We were a very large group, the six of us girls and seven or eight young men as well. George Straither was standing next to me and kept trying to catch my attention by telling me some of his accomplishments. I nodded and smiled, trying to be polite. Why do I feel like some sort of prize to be won?

All of a sudden we heard the sound of an approaching wagon. We turned to see who it was, but all we could make out was a bunch of men in brightly coloured shirts.

"Who're they?" I said, squinting to see. "I don't recall ever seeing them before?" As soon as the words left my mouth my eyes widened. It was the Pontipees, the same ones that I'd seen a few weeks earlier. I could hear the others talking in the background as I tried to work things out in my brain. And then I caught another glimpse of him. I couldn't help but smile. They hadn't noticed us yet, they were too busy looking around. It was clear it was the first barn-raising they'd ever been to.

"It's Milly!" Alice cried happily and started to run. I was quickly brought back to the present as Alice tried to break free from Steve Richter.

"Where are you going?" He asked indignantly.

"To see Milly!" She said as she finally broke free.

"I just love Milly," I said as I started to run behind her. We were all running now. I wasn't sure whether it was because of the men, or a genuine happiness to see Milly? I didn't dare stop to examine my heart and motives, and before I knew it we were all crowded around the wagon.

Milly greeted us all and told us how much she'd missed us. It had been almost a whole month since we'd last seen her. I was itching to ask her dozens of questions, as soon as we girls were alone. I looked into the cart and saw a pile of items. Quickly realizing that Milly wouldn't be able to carry it all herself I offered my help.

Adam Pontipee handed me a tray of bread. I took it with a smile and turned to step off the wagon where I was perched.

"I'd be pleasured if you'd allow me." A strong voice caught my ear and I turned to see him standing behind me.

"Why thanks," I said with a smile and handed him the tray. I stepped off the wagon and started to walk beside him. We walked silently over to the table. I was confused and unsure of what to do. Would it be proper to tell him my name or to ask for his? Would it be considered too forward?

"The table is right over here." I said shyly and I put my hand on his arm to guide him. As soon as we touched I drew back again. What's the matter with you, Dorcas Gailen?

"Is this it?" His deep voice broke into my thoughts and I realized we were standing in front of the table.

"Oh yes," I blushed. He put the tray down on the table and we stood there awkwardly. "Thank you very much." I said with a small smile.

"No trouble at all, I assure you." He smiled back at me and I felt my heart stop. Is this what love feels like? No, it can't be love! I've only known him for a few moments. Dorcas, you're being ridiculous.

I looked up as the others started to approach the table as well. The one in the yellow shirt nodded to me as he set his cake down on the table. Ruth was hanging onto his arm and staring at him as if he was the first man she'd ever seen.

"This is my brother Caleb Miss-" He stopped and laughed. "Why I'm afraid I don't know your name!"

"I'm Dorcas. Dorcas Gailen." I held out my hand tentatively. He took it and shook it gently.

"My name is Benjamin Pontipee, and as I was saying, this here's my brother Caleb."

"Pleased to meet you ma'am," Caleb bowed a little and I blushed. The four of us stood there in silence for a few moments, unsure of what to say. Benjamin was shifting his weight from foot to foot, looking extremely uncomfortable.

My heart went out to him, he looked so completely lost. "I must confess I am rather excited, this is the first barn-raising that I've been to."