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“Yes, it is! I miss colder weather only in the summers though.” Susan got to her feet. “We have a couple of hours before supper if you want to nap or bathe. And don’t worry, we don’t dress for supper, and your bloomers won’t be a problem at all.”
“Thank you, Susan. I appreciate your hospitality.” Sydney was surprised at how a kind person could turn a dreadful day into a good one. Perhaps it was the entire Miller family who could do so. She knew Elizabeth had, and Alice had been kind to her at the store where she worked.
“We’ll send Elizabeth a telegram letting her know you’re all right.”
“Tell her it’s not time to tell my parents yet, please.”
Susan grinned. “Your parents don’t know you’re here?”
“No, and until I’m married, it would be best if they didn’t.” Sydney sighed, wishing her mother didn’t have to worry, but she would not be returning to Beckham. Not ever.
“I understand. Elizabeth has helped several young women under similar circumstances.”
“Thank you for being willing to take me in. I could stay in a boarding house or something if you’d rather…and can show me where a boarding house is.”
“That’s what I did when I first arrived. But no, stay here. It’ll be fun.”
Sydney smiled. “I appreciate your hospitality. I think I will sleep. And I’ll bathe after supper if that’s not too much trouble.”
“Not at all.” Susan led Sydney up the stairs, and to a door to the left at the top of the stairs. “This will be your bedroom for now. I’ll send one of the boys to wake you for supper. Is there anything you want now?”
“A glass of water would make me the happiest woman alive!”
“Give me a minute, and I will ensure your happiness.”
With that, Susan left. Sydney looked around the small room, unpacking her carpet bag. There wouldn’t be enough room for her clothes when they arrived, but there was enough for what she had at the moment.
She pulled back the covers to get ready to sleep as soon as she’d had her water. A knock at the door had her opening it to a young pregnant woman. “I’m Alice. I remember you shopping at the store in Beckham with your mother!” She handed Sydney a drink of water.
Sydney drained it before thanking her. “I appreciate that so much. The Texas heat is awful.”
“It is. Glad to see you here. Susan explained what happened. You should marry my brother-in-law, Lewis. He’s been talking for a while about sending off for a bride.”
Sydney frowned. “Not sure I could do that, now that I can see it almost got me into some big trouble.”
“Lewis is a good man. Susan and I’ll work on you!”
Sydney laughed. “I’ll meet him, but I’m not promising to marry him!”
“That’s good. Because we’re not looking for a promise.” Alice smiled sweetly. “My husband, Albert and I, our daughter, and Lewis are all coming to dinner tonight. We want to give you a proper welcome! So glad you’re here.”
“Me too! You don’t ride a bike by any chance, do you?”
Alice looked down at her swollen middle. “I’m not so sure that would be a good idea right now.”
Sydney grinned. “I’ll teach you after the baby is born.”
“That sounds like fun to me. I remember always seeing you ride up and down the street in front of the store. You look so free when you ride. And you’re faster than all the boys.”
“That was my favorite part, I’m afraid…”
Alice laughed. “It would have been mine too. I can’t ride a bike, but I can outshoot all the boys.”
“Sounds like we have skills to trade!” Sydney hid a yawn behind her hand.
“Oh, I’m so sorry! Susan said you were about to nap. I’ll go, let you sleep, and I’ll see you at supper. I can’t wait to get to know you better!”
Sydney smiled. “We were never friends in Beckham, and I come here, and we’re going to be best friends, aren’t we?”
