Chapter 15
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - April 1874
Gabrielle pressed her nose against the cool windowpane, watching Buck and Violette disappear into the restaurant across the street. Part of her wanted to give them space, to let them forge their own connection. But a stronger, more selfish pang of loneliness gnawed at her. Being the third wheel wasn't appealing.
With a brisk nod, she tied her boots and headed downstairs. A stroll through the town would be a welcome distraction, a way to fill the time.
"Gabrielle!" Lou's voice rang out from across the street.
A smile spread across her face as she saw the petite woman hurrying towards her, oblivious to the mud splattering her pristine dress. "Lou, it's good to see you again."
"Fancy meeting you here! Teresa and I were just headin' to the dress shop." Lou announced breathlessly. "Would you care to join us?"
Intrigued, Gabrielle raised an eyebrow. "Is there a special occasion?"
"Teresa needs a new dress for church," Lou explained, linking arms with her sister. "Seems like she's sprouting like a weed these days. Soon she'll be taller than me!"
Teresa giggled, glancing playfully at Lou. "There's no way that's happening, silly."
"No matter your height," Lou declared with a mock frown, pushing open the shop door, "I'll always be your big sister."
Turning to Gabrielle with a hopeful smile, Teresa piped up, "Do you go to church?"
Gabrielle hesitated, caught off guard. "Um, no, I haven't in many years."
Teresa's face fell. "You should come with us! Please, please say yes!"
The unexpected invitation sent a wave of uncertainty through Gabrielle. Yet, seeing the little girl's hopeful eyes, she found herself blurting out, "Sure, we'd love to."
"Wonderful!" Lou beamed, ushering them both towards the counter. "Good day, Mrs. Owen."
A warm smile greeted them. "Hello, ladies! Just finished your dress, Teresa," Mrs. Owen announced, beckoning the young girl to follow. "I think you'll adore it."
As Teresa disappeared into the back room, Gabrielle found herself drawn to the vibrant fabrics displayed around the shop. Her fingers brushed against a collection of delicate lace trimmings, then lingered on a luxurious bolt of blue velvet. A dreamy sigh escaped her lips.
"Wouldn't a gown made of that be something?" Louise remarked, her voice laced with amusement.
"It certainly would be exquisite," Gabrielle agreed, running her hand over the soft fabric.
"And no doubt cost a small fortune," Louise added with a knowing chuckle.
"True enough," Gabrielle admitted with a smile.
A comfortable silence settled between them. Louise squeezed Gabrielle's arm gently. "You know, you don't have to come to church if you're not comfortable. Teresa's invitation was quite sweet, but you shouldn't feel pressured."
"It's alright," Gabrielle assured her. "It was kind of her to ask. I just wasn't raised in a religious household, that's all."
Louise's eyes softened with understanding. "I see. Well, coming from Baltimore, I imagine you're used to a different kind of life, filled with all sorts of luxuries."
The rich velvet fabric sent Gabrielle on a nostalgic journey. Her fingers traced its smooth surface, conjuring a vivid memory. "My mother had a dress like this once," she murmured, her voice soft and distant. As she spoke, her eyes glazed over, lost in the past.
"She must have looked stunning," Louise remarked gently.
Gabrielle continued, stroking the fabric as if it held the memory itself. "They didn't go out much, my mother and stepfather. But I remember this one night... Christmas Eve, I think. They were going to a party, and she wore this deep blue velvet gown. And pearls." A wistful smile touched her lips. "She looked so elegant."
"Sounds like a beautiful memory," Louise said sympathetically.
A sharp breath pulled Gabrielle back to the present. "There weren't many nights like that," she admitted, the joy fading from her voice. "She passed away when I was young. Things were never the same after that."
Louise's hand rested comfortingly on Gabrielle's arm. "I'm so sorry to hear that," she said softly.
Looking up, Gabrielle forced a smile. "Thank you." Abruptly changing the subject, she asked, "What does your husband do, Louise?"
"He runs the livery stable in town," Louise replied with a chuckle. "And he helps Buck out part-time as a deputy when there's a need."
A happy peal of laughter echoed through the shop as Teresa emerged from the back, twirling in her new dress. The cream and blue fabric swirled around her.
"Teresa, you look so beautiful!" Louise exclaimed, her eyes twinkling.
"The color suits you perfectly," Gabrielle agreed, offering a warm smile.
Teresa, beaming with pride, curtseyed with a flourish. "Would you like to join us for lunch?" She asked, her voice full of innocent charm.
"Louise mentioned you have fresh buttermilk bread," Gabrielle said, her eyes meeting Louise's with a hint of amusement. "Honestly, how could I resist that? Or, for that matter, the lovely company?"