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    Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star Book #1)
    Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star Book #1)
    Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star Book #1)
    Ebook325 pages5 hours

    Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star Book #1)

    By Tracie Peterson

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    About this ebook

    Tracie Peterson Embarks on a New Texas Series

    When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.

    Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.

    Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBaker Publishing Group
    Release dateMar 1, 2012
    ISBN9781441269997
    Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star Book #1)
    Author

    Tracie Peterson

    Tracie Peterson (TraciePeterson.com) is the bestselling author of more than one hundred novels, both historical and contemporary, with nearly six million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

    Read more from Tracie Peterson

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    Reviews for Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star Book #1)

    4/5

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    • 5/5
      Chasing the Sun is the 1st book in the series Land of the Lone Star. The story takes place in frontier Texas during the Civil War. Hannah has lost her mother and her father has taken her and her younger brother and sisters across the country to start a new life in Texas. Because of the war, there is a dispute about who is the legal owner of their Texas Ranch - which leads to William's story. William and Hannah go through many twists and turns and you can guess what happens in this happily ever after story.Another great read by Tracie Peterson. Can't wait to start book #2 of the series.
    • 4/5
      Chasing the SunTracie PetersonPublicity Summary: When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running. Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?Review: I enjoyed the characters and the basic story line. I was trouble by the business related to Hannah’s father. It could not shake the gloom concerning this point. It was a constant topic and while the characters did not know what occurred, the reader did. I had such a difficult time with this. It hung over the story at times. The story worked its way through this and the evil evident one of the character was very believable. I really liked the gritty feel of living so far from a town and how they depended on each other due to this. The reality of a war decreasing supplies and therefore making them precious was realistic. Over all the book was enjoyable very believable. I would like to thank Bethany House Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
    • 5/5
      On a ranch in Texas, Hannah is struggling to raise her little brother and sister, while her widowed father travels back home to see his ailing mother. It’s a dangerous trip considering he has to travel through Indian Territory where the Indians, settlers and soldiers have been fighting each other; and also the Civil War is raging in Vicksburg where their family home is located. The War has divided families and friends in Texas, where even the ranch her father bought was confiscated from the family who owned it because they were considered traitors. When the youngest son, William, returns he finds Hannah and her siblings living on his property, and Hannah’s fathers’ business partner telling him it’s not his home anymore. The man wants him to leave, but Hannah doesn’t want to turn William away, so they come to an uneasy truce while things get sorted out. Months go by with no word from Hannah’s father, and his business partner is pressuring her to marry him. Not knowing if her father is dead or wounded, and not knowing if William can take back the ranch, she wonders if marrying a man she doesn’t love would be the best for her and her siblings. I really got caught up into this novel of hard times, love and betrayal. Hannah is a strong female character whose faith in God sustains her through difficult times. The author shows all sides of a complex time in our history, and she knows how much suspense will keep the reader turning the pages. 5 stars.
    • 5/5
      Author Tracie Peterson has launched a new series of Christian Historical Westerns with the Land of the Lonestar Series and the first book, Chasing the Sun. Set in 1863 in Texas, the reader finds herself with the main character Hannah Dandridge who has received news that her father has been taken prisoner by the Yankees by her father's business and law partner Herbert Lockhart. Even though Hannah doesn't believe her father has done anything wrong by merely going to Mississippi to bury his mother and Hannah's brother Benjamin who died when the Yankees attacked Vicksburg. Thanks to the rapid response in receiving the news two months after their deaths. Now her father is missing and she doesn't know what has happened.Now the sole responsibility of caring for the ranch her father had recently acquired and since Hannah's doesn't know how long it will be before her father returns, this is a great burden to bear. Not only does she need to care for the upkeep of the ranch but also for her two siblings, Andy who was eight and Marty who was five. How could she possibly keep the news from them about the whereabouts of her father? Now Mr. Lockhart wants to extend his partnership to include Hannah and she is considering the possibility if her father never returns. Hannah sees no other prospects at 24 and saddled with her current burden until William Barnett shows up wounded at the ranch.Thus the storyline begins to unfold with the intentions of both Barnett and Lockhart ultimately trying to win Hannah's affection. Yet just who will Hannah chose and what will become of the ranch and her father?I received, Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and have to say I loved it. Even though you can probably predict the outcome by the end, the story that Tracie weaves allows the readers to root for the good guy and boo for the bad one! Another winner for those who love western romances with a Godly message blended in. This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my book.
    • 3/5
      The plot was good, but I felt that the dialogue was weak in some places. I just can't see myself re-reading this.
    • 5/5
      Hannah Dandridge is in Cedar Springs, Texas near Dallas awaiting for the return of her father John, who has gone to Vicksburg, Mississippi to see his dying mother. His partner, Herbert Lockhart, has told Hannah he has been probably been taken prisoner by the Union and may be dead. This is in the middle of the Civil War, October 1863. Herbert Lockhard had been wanting Hannah to marry him but she does not love him. The siblings of Hannah by her step-mother are also worried about their father; Andy is 8 years old and Marty is 5 years old; their mother died at Marty's birth. They came to Texas after the death of Hannah's step-mother because John Dandridge had become depressed. The ranch they now owned was confiscated by the government because the Barnetts left to fight on the side of the Union. On the ranch there is also Berto Montoya and his wife Juanita who worked for the Barnetts. They have two children, Pepita and Pablo. This is also the time of the Comanche raids in the area.Andy has left the ranch as a Longhorn has wandered. He comes across a soldier who is coming home after being wounded. As they are trying to free the animal, a young Indian warrior comes towards them but his horse is spooked and he falls to the ground. Andy brings both home to the ranch; one is William Barnett and the other is Night Bear of the Comanche tribe. The author uses the word Numunuu which is what the Comanche's name for themselves. (All the books I have read, this is the first time I have seen this name. The author uses respect in this book for the Tribe.). The book is one I have found to be very emotional and also fun such as the birth of a calf. The Civil war was a hard time for our country but the book is also about hardships in this time period. There is love, friendship, hardships, death, greed, family and history. This is a Christian Romance book. I give it a five star. I have been to Vicksburg, Mississippi and have seen the graves of many soldiers who died. It is a startling fact and very somber.I was given a complimentary copy of "Chasing the Sun" by Tracie Peterson from Bethany House to read and review. The opinions are my own.
    • 3/5
      When Hannah Dandridge's father came to a Texas, the Union gave him a ranch as a reward for services rendered. After his disappearance, Hannah is left to care for her younger siblings and maintain the ranch in his absence. Herbert Lockhart, Hannah's father's business partner, sympathetically offers Hannah his protection and even marriage, vowing his love for her. Meanwhile, William Barnett, original owner of the land, returns to his ranch to find it has been seized by the government and given to Hannah's family. Angered, yet drawn to Hannah's beauty and spirit, William forms a uneasy friendship with Hannah. Amid Civil War prejudices and Comanche raids, Hannah and William find themselves thrust together by outside situations, but it is the secrets of the past and questions of the future that will truly test them both.Chasing the Sun is the first installment in the Land of the Lone Star Series by Tracie Peterson. I personally wish there had been more spark between Hannah and William. This is not to say that there wasn't conflict, tension and attraction. However, I felt their budding relationship was a little lackluster until the last two chapters of the book. The plot itself was unique and Hannah's character was well-developed. I think Peterson's writing style is just not as engaging as some other Christian author's I've read recently and therefore, I didn't enjoy the story as much as I expected. I'm aware that some people will probably love this book, but I am going to recommend renting from the library before purchasing.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
    • 4/5
      Peterson portrays life during the Civil War in Texas. She presents a strong family that will stick together through the hard times. She shows virtues of loyalty, generosity, compassion, regardless of which side of the war, and which war (Indian v White or North v South) you consider. It's a testimony of doing what's right even others don't understand.

      Peterson's love for children and the family come through in the many scenes with the children. It was refreshing to read.
    • 5/5
      Loved the book enjoy every moment one of my favourite books this year
    • 5/5
      This first novel in the Land of the Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson was a great introduction to the era to set the mood. Set in the mid 1800's, you can really get a sense of what the tension was between the Rebs and Yanks who fought for what they believed in. It also shows how great a threat the Native American tribe's presence was to daily life. To bring it all together, the main character, Hannah Dandridge, is caught between her loyalty to the Confederacy and her faith in Christ - making her in direct conflict with William Barnett to heighten the plot.

      While the overall read moved along at a usual pace, what I did find a little off-putting was how much of Hannah's faith was discussed through her dialogues with the characters. Not that it was altogether unexpected, given the genre as well as the character's profession of faith itself, but it just to me seemed like it was a bit preachy compared to other novels of the genre. She was rather naive, and there was a bit of a disconnect with her faith and what if at all kind of role she played in William Barnett's views on God. Since it is book one of the series, I hope these characters and their acquaintances are revisited so we can see what happens next - otherwise, it kind of leaves them hanging in terms of some of the plot, particularly with the Indians. In terms of an historical fiction novel, I still would recommend this series because of its depth of insight and the way it makes you feel like you are also living in the time.
    • 5/5
      Well developed plots and characters. Author doesn’t leave spiritual views untested, nor are they simple. She’s the type of author who is able to weave serious struggles with humor and romance, doing justice to each. Definitely one of my go-to authors!
    • 4/5
      Title: Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star #1)Author: Tracie PetersonPages: 352Year: 2012Publisher: Bethany House PublishersMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.This novel is set in Texas in 1863. Texas has sided with the Confederacy, making anyone who agrees with the Union’s beliefs considered as a traitor. That is what William Barnett faces as he returns home from fighting for the Union. He was wounded and deemed unable to fight anymore. He lost his father and brother in the same battle. All he wants is to go home, heal and get back to living a life of normalcy, if possible. However, once he arrives home, he discovers his ranch has been given to a Confederate sympathizer as a spoil of war. He finds the man’s daughter and young brother and sister living in his home. He heads to Dallas to see a judge about getting his ranch back. In the meantime, he has been allowed to live on the ranch and work there. He finds Hannah beautiful and compassionate.Hannah Dandridge is 24 years old, living in the middle of nowhere, taking care of her much younger brother and sister. Her father has been gone for months on a trip to Vicksburg to see his sick mother. With no word from him, Hannah has been left in charge of the ranch. When William Barnett shows up, wanting his ranch back, Hannah is at a loss as to how to resolve the situation. She does find him attractive though. Her father’s business partner also keeps pressuring her to marry him, so he can take care of her. Also, the Comanche and Kiowa have ramped up their attacks on the local population. She knows God has a plan for her, but with everything going on, she isn’t sure what it is!The thing I liked best about this story was how Hannah consistently relied on God for everything in her life, even in the face of grief at the loss of several of her family members. She verbally spoke her faith into the lives of her brother and sister, Comanche Indians, and anyone else with whom she came in contact. It was inspiring! I’m looking forward to book two in the series, Touching the Sky. This is one author who has written several novels, and she can be depended upon to always deliver a good story.Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
    • 4/5
      Excellent book, Many suspenseful events and it keeps one guessing at the end as there's twists and turns. Highly recommend

    Book preview

    Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star Book #1) - Tracie Peterson

    Cover

    1

    Texas

    October 1863

    Hannah Dandridge struggled to keep her voice even. Father . . . has been taken . . . prisoner? She lowered her voice and inclined her head forward. Mr. Lockhart, why would the Yankee army take my father . . . a civilian . . . into custody?

    The bearer of bad tidings dabbed his high forehead with a folded linen cloth, the unusual warmth of the day causing beads of sweat to form at the man’s receding hairline. I do apologize, Miss Hannah. The information my man managed to obtain was reliable, but not as detailed as I would have liked.

    But there would be no reason to take Father prisoner. She folded her hands and leaned back once again. He’s a good man and a fine upstanding citizen.

    Beggin’ your pardon, Miss Hannah, but he’s a Confederate citizen, and Vicksburg has fallen to the Yankees. The Yankees control the whole of the Mississippi River and the travel upon it. Why, there are renegade bands of soldiers marauding throughout Louisiana and Texas.

    It had been six weeks since Hannah’s father left their ranch in Texas to go to Mississippi. In that time she’d anxiously awaited word that he had reached her grandparents’ house in the war-torn town of Vicksburg.

    But that makes no sense. He’s not a soldier and certainly not a threat to anyone. He’s only going there to see to my grandmother. More likely, he had gone to bury his mother beside her husband and Hannah’s brother Benjamin, both of whom had died the previous June when the Yankees attacked Vicksburg. It had taken two months to get word to the Dandridges regarding the deaths of their loved ones. In that same letter they were told that Grandmother Dandridge was ill—most probably dying. Hannah’s father had been beside himself.

    Hannah got to her feet and Lockhart did likewise. She walked to the large window, praying he would remain where he stood. She didn’t want to be fussed over. Raising the window, she prayed for a gentle breeze to ease the temperature. Any flow of air, however, was absent. She took note of her younger brother and sister playing in the courtyard. They seemed unbothered by the warmth of the day.

    Andy was eight and Marty just five. How could she tell them that their father might never return home? She turned back and looked at the man her father called partner. Their joint efforts in real estate and law had proven to be successful, despite the war. But Mr. Lockhart wanted to extend the partnership—to include Hannah. She gave a sigh. Lockhart wasn’t a bad fellow, and she supposed an old maid of twenty-four should be honored that any man would look at her with thoughts of marriage.

    Miss Hannah . . . Lockhart made his move and came to join her. I hope you aren’t worrying about the future. You know that your father considered me an honorable man.

    Yes, Mr. Lockhart, I do realize that. I am certain you are most honorable.

    He smiled and rubbed the back of his hand across his mustache. Your father knew—or rather, knows—how I feel about you. I will see to it that you and your family are provided for. You needn’t worry.

    Sir, I was hardly worried about myself. Hannah wiped at a tear. Father . . . She knew if she said more she’d break down. You must excuse me. Hannah felt his gaze upon her even as she turned to walk away.

    We must do whatever we can to help Father, Hannah said, reaching the arched entry of the room. But for now, say nothing to the children. I don’t want them to know what’s happened. She paused at the hall and turned toward the open front door, hoping Mr. Lockhart would take the hint to leave.

    Of course not. He crossed the room in quick, precise steps. Miss Hannah, given this news and trouble with the Comanche, I must insist that you move with the children to Cedar Springs. You can stay at my place. There is more than enough room, and with my servants, no one will consider it inappropriate. I will, in fact, take my residence to the hotel to further dissolve any rumors.

    Sir, that is completely unnecessary. I do not intend to leave the ranch. If your news is wrong, Father will return here or at the very least send word to me here. I will remain.

    You can hardly remain here on your own, he protested. The Comanche and Kiowa uprisings have left many a man dead.

    But most of those attacks have come to men out on the open range, Hannah countered. She had no desire to leave the ranch for Mr. Lockhart’s house.

    Miss Hannah, you have your siblings to consider, as well. It could prove fatal—

    Hannah held up her hand to halt his comments. They would never see eye to eye. He was twice her age and worried overmuch about everything. There would be no reasoning with him or hoping he might see things her way.

    I have a great deal to tend to, Mr. Lockhart. I do hope you’ll excuse my bad manners and show yourself out. If you should want further refreshment before your ride back to Cedar Springs, please see Juanita. She’s just out the back door in the summer kitchen.

    Miss Hannah, I hope I didn’t offend you.

    She turned and pasted on a smile. Of course not. I appreciate that you have brought me the news. I do hope you will do your best to see Father returned to us. Perhaps we should inquire in Dallas. Since he has helped the Confederacy, perhaps they could arrange for my father’s release.

    He bobbed his head, but his expression suggested he didn’t believe it would do any good. I will see to everything, he said. I will not rest until we know what has happened. I give you my word.

    Thank you, sir. Hannah curtsied. She could see that he wanted to say something more, so she hurried on. I simply must get to my tasks. Without waiting, Hannah broke with etiquette and scurried away. Her mother and grandmother would be deeply ashamed of her behavior, but Hannah couldn’t help it. Mr. Lockhart would only try to persuade her to leave the ranch.

    She made her way out the side door and across the yard to check on the laundry. Lines of clean sheets hung dry in the still air. To her surprise Pepita, Juanita and Berto’s youngest child, hurried across the yard with a basket on her head.

    No, Miss Hannah. Mama send me to get them.

    That’s all right, Pepita. I’ll help you. Hannah reached up to take one of the sheets from the line. She needed to keep busy, and she needed to think.

    The Barnett Ranch, as it was called, had been her home for less than a year. Hannah had come to Texas with her father and young siblings five years earlier, much to her dismay. She hadn’t wanted to leave her childhood home in Vicksburg—there she could be close to her grandparents and brother. There, she had friends and a life of ease. When her stepmother died giving birth to Marty, everything changed. After that, her father wanted only to leave Vicksburg and his memories. His jovial nature became more serious; he thought only of work and making money. Her beloved papa was only a shadow of his former self, and the man who had come to replace him seemed cold and unfeeling.

    Hannah’s brother Benjamin and their grandparents had tried to talk John Dandridge out of leaving—especially with two young children, one only an infant. Grandmother had offered to let the family remain with them while their father traveled west to grieve, but he would have none of that. His children were his responsibility. At seventeen, Benjamin stood his ground and told their father he wouldn’t leave Vicksburg. A terrible fight ensued . . . a fight that hadn’t been resolved before Benjamin lost his life defending Vicksburg.

    Hannah frowned at the memory of those days. In Vicksburg she had been nineteen and carefree, engaged to a wonderful young man, now long dead to the war. Unfortunately, the war hadn’t initially separated them—her father had managed that on his own. When he went to Hannah’s fiancé and demanded the engagement be broken or extended indefinitely so that Hannah could care for her siblings, she was livid. She carefully rehearsed what she would say to her father for hours. When he finally arrived home, she marched to the barn, ready to declare her anger and refusal to be obedient to his wishes. Instead, she found her father bent over his horse’s neck, in tears. His pain was raw and heartbreaking. . . . It was the first and only time she’d seen him cry. He hadn’t even cried at the loss of his wife. It shook Hannah to the very core of her being.

    When he returned to the house, Hannah’s father told her how sorry he was that life could not have been better for her. It was as close to an apology for ruining her love life as Hannah would ever get. They departed Vicksburg the following week.

    An old friend of her father’s had welcomed them to Dallas when they’d first come west. Hannah had tried hard to have a positive spirit about the move. She busied herself with the children and tried to forget her anger and pain. They stayed for quite a while in Dallas, but it proved much too rowdy for her father’s taste. For hers, as well. To escape that boisterous town, they moved to Cedar Springs, some six or so miles away. This was where her father teamed up with Mr. Lockhart. The town offered a calm, stable environment for raising small children. Unfortunately for Hannah, it provided very little in the way of friendship.

    Miss Hannah, he come back, Pepita said, pointing to the walk. Herbert Lockhart was making his way toward them with determined strides.

    Oh bother, Hannah said, pushing aside her memories. She wadded up the sheet and stuffed it in the basket. Have you forgotten something, Mr. Lockhart? Hannah asked as she straightened to face the man.

    Miss Hannah, I know this is sudden, but my intentions are only the best. He pulled his hat off to reveal a balding head and bent to one knee. Marry me. That will solve all of your problems. Marry me and I will see that you and your family never want for anything.

    Pepita giggled and quickly ducked behind one of the sheets. Hannah wished she could do likewise.

    Mr. Lockhart, you are indeed quite gallant. Please get up, however. I cannot consider your proposal while Father’s welfare is so uncertain. She smiled, hoping it might ease the blow.

    Lockhart did rise, but he wasn’t about to give up. Miss Hannah, I hold you a great affection. I know that you do not love me, but love will grow in time. I assure you of that. You have my word.

    She looked at the would-be suitor. There was nothing wrong with him—nothing that should keep her from loving him or at least accepting courtship in the hope that love would, as he said, grow in time. He was twice her age, but that wasn’t unusual in southern marriages. Why, Andy and Marty’s mother had been only a few years older than Hannah.

    Hannah gave a moment of serious consideration to his offer. Mr. Lockhart was a man of some means, although his appearance didn’t necessarily support that truth. His suit was ill fitting and out of date, and his teeth were not at all well cared for. However, those things could be overlooked—if love existed. But she felt nothing for him . . . not even true friendship.

    I am touched that you would honor me in this manner, Hannah finally said, trying to let the man down gently. But, Mr. Lockhart, I must decline, given the circumstances. I’m certain you understand. Hannah didn’t even pause to give him time to respond. And of course my brother and sister will need my devotion now more than ever. Now, as I said, I have a great deal to accomplish before the end of the day and you have a long ride. Let us say our farewells.

    But, Miss Hannah, you aren’t safe here. The Comanche are raiding all around us. Every day they move in closer. Since the forts have been closed and the soldiers have gone to fight the war, the Comanche feel they can reclaim that territory. You haven’t enough people here to even put up a good fight.

    Ignoring the facts, Hannah turned away. We knew the dangers when we came here, Mr. Lockhart. My father apparently considered the risk acceptable. After all, he brought his young children here.

    Believe me, I tried to talk him out of that, as well, Mr. Lockhart replied. He stepped forward and put on his wide-brimmed straw hat. With his hands free he reached out to take hold of her arm.

    Miss Hannah, if you won’t consider your own safety, think of your brother and sister. The Comanche are known for taking white children captive. Even if they didn’t attack and burn you out, they might sneak in here and steal the children.

    Hannah had considered this before. It was the reason they were firm with the children about staying close to the house. Still, she wouldn’t allow Lockhart to dictate her decisions. She’d endured her father’s demands all these years because of her deep abiding love for him. She wasn’t about to let his partner, a man for whom she felt nothing, pick up the task in his absence. Hannah stared at Mr. Lockhart’s hand for a moment, then returned her gaze to his face.

    Mr. Lockhart, we’ve already had this conversation. Now I must get back to my chores. She pulled her arm away from his touch. I will make sure that Berto knows about the Comanche and that the others are apprised, as well. I’m confident we can manage. Hannah could see that Pepita was finishing up with the last of the sheets. Come along, Pepita. We must get those ironed.

    She helped the thirteen-year-old manage the overflowing basket by taking up one side while Pepita took the other. They made their way to the outdoor kitchen area, where irons were heating.

    "Señor Lockhart find you?" Juanita asked, looking out from the open back door of the house.

    He did, Hannah told her.

    He wants Hannah to marry him, Pepita said, unable to stop her giggles.

    Hannah rolled her eyes and maneuvered the basket to an awaiting table. He also brought bad news. She turned to meet Juanita’s questioning expression. He said that word has come that Father might have been taken hostage by the Union. Pepita’s laughter stopped in an awkward, abrupt manner that only served to impact the statement.

    "Es verdad?" Juanita’s dark eyes assessed Hannah for the answer.

    I’m afraid it is true. Hannah didn’t speak much Spanish, but she knew enough to recognize Juanita’s question. He said that one of his people was able to get word to him that Father was taken by the soldiers—possibly imprisoned. She left it at that. She couldn’t bring herself to add the possibility of his demise.

    What they want with him? Juanita asked, moving to where she had several pots hanging over an open flame. She lifted the lid off of one and stirred the contents. Will they keep him long? It seemed to Hannah that Juanita tried to keep her questions casual, but there was a tangible current of concern lacing her tone all the same.

    I don’t know. I don’t even know where he is. Mr. Lockhart is trying to find out, but right now we have very little information. Mr. Lockhart wanted us to move to town because of this and the Comanche threat. I told him no.

    And then he ask Hannah to marry him, Pepita declared, only this time her tone was quite serious.

    But I told him no, Hannah said matter-of-factly. I don’t know how he could even imagine I would consider such a thing with Father in danger. She looked to the woman who’d been running the household since long before Hannah and her family had moved onto the ranch. The tiny Mexican woman had become a dear friend, and Hannah greatly appreciated her encouraging spirit.

    Juanita and her husband, Berto Montoya, had been hired by the Barnetts. Hannah didn’t know the previous owners except through the Montoyas and the other ranch hands. Apparently the man who’d purchased the ranch with his wife and sons had gone off to fight. Unfortunately, they were on the wrong side of the war as far as most Texans were concerned. Their ranch had been taken from them and given to her father as a reward for his help to the Confederate government. Although Hannah was never quite sure what that help had been.

    Jason Barnett had settled on the land some twelve years earlier, intent on building a large Texas cattle spread. He had managed a good start with two sons and a wife. Juanita said they were generous, loving people, and Hannah felt sad that they should have fought so hard to carve out their dream only to lose it. She’d said as much to her father, but he’d told her they were traitors. The men had gone to fight for the Yankees and deserved nothing but their disdain.

    What will we do, Miss Hannah? Juanita asked, replacing the lid atop the cook pot.

    Hannah shrugged. I suppose this is one of those times we do nothing but wait.

    We can pray. Juanita smiled. God always listen to us pray.

    Hannah found the woman’s thick accent endearing. Juanita was strong in her faith, too. That was something Hannah hadn’t experienced much since leaving her grandmother’s home in Vicksburg. Oh, there were plenty of churchgoing folks living in Cedar Springs, but Hannah’s father had never wanted her to spend time socializing, which was all he considered church good for.

    The sound of Andy and Marty drew Hannah’s attention. Say nothing to the children, she commanded. I don’t want them to know until we are certain what has happened to Father.

    Of course, Juanita said, looking to Pepita. "We say nada."

    2

    There’s your proof, a grizzled, menacing man told Herbert Lockhart. He pointed to several items on the desk. I took ’em off him just like you said. Now pay me."

    Lockhart considered the pieces for a moment. A gold pocket watch and chain, a leather wallet, and a small daguerreotype framed behind glass. He picked up the watch and noted the inscribed initials. Just as quickly he cast it aside. Next he examined the photo of John Dandridge’s pretty wife. She was dead, and it was a real pity. The woman was quite attractive. Not as beautiful as Hannah Dandridge, but very pleasing to the eye. Looking through the wallet, he found nothing of interest and very little money. Where’s his cash?

    The man threw him a smile. Well, I had to pay to get him buried. Couldn’t very well just leave his body out there to rot on the road.

    No, I suppose not. Herbert returned the wallet. He opened a desk drawer and pulled out a small bag. He tossed it to the man, noting the chinking sound of coin. There you are, just as we agreed.

    Sneering a smile, the man pocketed the money without bothering to count it. I’ll get right to that other job you wanted me to do. Should have some results by tomorrow.

    See that we do, Lockhart said, closing his desk drawer. And remember . . . not a word about any of this to anyone.

    The man tipped his filthy hat. I ain’t the talkative type. He left the office without another word.

    Lockhart frowned at the reminders on his desk. With a swoop of his arm, he dumped them into another drawer and slammed it shut—as if he could shut out the truth, as well. He’d just paid a man for ending the life of John Dandridge. Leaning back in his leather chair, Lockhart wrestled only a moment—a very brief moment—with his guilt. It had to be done. Dandridge was in the way.

    In the way of progress, Lockhart murmured. He smiled to himself and got up from the desk. He wasn’t exactly sure when he would tell Hannah Dandridge about her father’s death. He would have to plan it carefully to work to his best advantage. No doubt there would come a time when all hope seemed lost and that things couldn’t possibly get any worse, and then . . . they would. He would tell Hannah how her father had been killed by Union soldiers, and how he had personally arranged for a proper burial.

    Frowning, he realized he hadn’t asked Jesse Carter where he’d buried the old man. Well, he’d get the information next time. There wouldn’t be any need to rush the declaration to Hannah. Lockhart crossed the room to a locked cabinet and pulled keys from his pocket. He quickly retrieved a stack of papers and took them back to his desk.

    Herbert smiled as he glanced over each of the deeds. This was his future. The real estate business was slow due to the war, but there were benefits even in this. The area around them continued to be depleted of people. Folks were moving out—at least temporarily—for safer, more populated areas of the state. Some had even left the state all together, wanting no part of the war, and that was just fine by Lockhart. Added to this, the Comanche had scared off or killed a good number of folks on the open frontier. He had used this to his advantage, paying pennies on the dollar for land that was worth a great deal more. Of course, it wasn’t worth much in wartime, and that was what he counted on folks understanding. He also counted on their fears—their ridiculous, unfounded fears. Texas was definitely no place for those fools.

    C-A-T, Marty said, holding up her slate. That’s cat.

    Very good, Hannah praised, looking to her brother. And what about you?

    "I can spell ranch and longhorn. Wanna hear?"

    She smiled. I do. Can you write them out, as well?

    He nodded with great enthusiasm and went to work. R-A-N . . . He paused and looked up. "That spells ran. Looking back, down he continued. C-H. Ranch."

    "Very good. And longhorn?"

    Hannah watched as he quickly managed the letters. "L-O-N-G, that spells long, and H-O-R-N spells horn. Longhorn."

    "And what kind of a word is longhorn, Andy? Do you remember what I told you?"

    He frowned and thought for a moment. A confounded word.

    She shook her head with a smile. Not confounded, although longhorns are often exactly that. No it’s a compound word. You made one larger word by compounding two smaller words together.

    "I did it with ranch, too. You got ran and ch."

    "Yes, but ch isn’t a word. It’s a sound made by two letters. See the difference?"

    Andy’s brow knit together as his frown deepened. "But ran is a word."

    It is indeed. However, let me show you another compounding of two words to make a larger one. Hannah took his slate and wrote out bunkhouse. There, do you know what that spells?

    Andy looked at the word and attempted to sound it out. Finally he shrugged and gave up. Hannah pointed to the first four letters. "This word is bunk. She drew a line between the two words. And this one is house."

    Bunkhouse, he declared proudly.

    "That’s right. Each word can stand by itself. The letters c and h cannot stand by themselves. It has no meaning."

    Marty grew bored with this nonsense. I want to draw pictures now.

    Paper was a precious commodity, but Hannah had saved a few pieces of brown paper from her purchases at the mercantile. I think that would be a good idea. Why don’t you draw pictures of the words you know how to spell? You could draw a dog, a cat, a bird, and a cow.

    And a bunny, Marty added. That’s my biggest word.

    Hannah laughed. Indeed it is. She got up and went to retrieve the paper.

    This was Marty’s first year to participate in regular studies. The year before, Hannah had worked with her sister on letters of the alphabet and numbers, but it was usually related to her cross-stitch work. Marty’s short attention span made it difficult for her to sit for very long at a time, so Hannah always tried to limit the child’s activities. It seemed if she kept Marty occupied with a variety of things, the child did better.

    Andy, on the other hand, would sit and pour over books for as long as Hannah would allow. He constantly looked for words he recognized and passages he could read. Perhaps one day, he would attend a university and do something important with his life. Not that ranching wasn’t

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