"Thank you, Elizabeth. For everything," Jane said, her voice carrying all their gratitude. “I don’t like it that I can’t join my sisters in Texas right away, but I’m so thankful you’ve made arrangements for me to
"Off you go, then," Elizabeth waved them toward the door, her blond hair catching the light like a halo.
"Texas awaits!" cheered Erna, leading the procession with a skip in her step.
"Goodbye, Elizabeth," they chorused as the older woman took her leave.
"Goodbye, my dears. I’ll see you at the train station tomorrow," Elizabeth called as she walked out to her buggy.
The train ride seemed to take forever, but was also over much too soon in Deborah’s eyes. Soon, they were getting ready for the dance, having taken over Susan Dailey’s residence. Susan was Elizabeth’s sister, and she had done a great deal to help organize the dance, making sure all the single men in the area knew what was happening.
Deborah put on the dress that had been provided, and though it felt strange to be dressed up as she was, she was more nervous about what she would do if asked to dance.
The air inside Susan Dailey’s house crackled with anticipation, a flurry of activity as the women bustled about, making final adjustments to their dresses and smoothing down any stray hairs. The room was filled with the soft rustle of fabric and the gentle clink of jewelry as each sister added finishing touches to their attire. Deborah felt a bead of sweat trickle down her back, the heat of the Texas summer threatening to overwhelm her.
As the sisters prepared to walk to the church for the dance, Deborah couldn’t shake off her apprehension. The thought of fainting from the oppressive heat loomed over her like a dark cloud, casting a shadow on the excitement of the evening. She glanced at Cassandra, who was adjusting a stray ribbon on her dress with practiced ease.
"Cassandra," Deborah began hesitantly, drawing her sister's attention. "Do you ever wonder about the men we might meet tonight?"
Cassandra turned to face Deborah, her expression contemplative. "I suppose I have. But we can’t keep worrying about the men we’re going to meet. It’s going to work out for us. I know it is!”
The Texas heat enveloped the women as they made their way from Susan's house to the church where the dance was being held. Deborah walked with trepidation, worry etched on her brow, afraid she might faint from the oppressive heat. She fanned herself with her hand, trying to cool down as she walked beside Cassandra.
Cassandra noticed Deborah's discomfort and placed a comforting hand on her arm. "Are you all right, Deb? You look a bit pale."
Deborah forced a small smile. "Just not used to this heat, I suppose. Maybe there will be men standing around the church with giant fans, waving them back and forth to help us stay cool. I don’t know that I want to meet my future husband while I’m sweating like a...I would say sweating like a pig, but that’s so cliche. Sweating like a lady at a dance on a very hot evening."
Cassandra chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling. "I doubt it, but we'll survive, as we always do." She paused, glancing at Deborah thoughtfully. "Are you nervous about tonight?"
Deborah's expression shifted slightly, her eyes revealing her unease. "A little. I'm not sure I'm cut out for all this dancing and socializing but I'm trying to keep an open mind. I just hope that whoever I meet will see past my awkwardness and fear."
Cassandra squeezed her arm reassuringly. "You are more than just your fears, Deborah. Remember, tonight is for us. Don’t worry about disappointing anyone. Just smile and go with it!"
Deborah nodded, grateful for Cassandra's words. As they approached the church, the strains of music drifted out into the warm evening air, mingling with the murmur of voices and laughter. The flickering lanterns cast a soft glow over the scene, creating a magical atmosphere that made Deborah's worries momentarily fade away.
The sound of laughter and chatter grew louder as they entered the church hall, where couples were already twirling around the dance floor. Cassandra gave Deborah an encouraging smile before joining the other sisters as they dispersed to mingle with the crowd.
Deborah stood on the edge of the room, feeling a combination of excitement and dread knotting in her stomach.
