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    Head in the Clouds
    Head in the Clouds
    Head in the Clouds
    Ebook398 pages6 hours

    Head in the Clouds

    By Karen Witemeyer

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.

    When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.

    When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBaker Publishing Group
    Release dateOct 1, 2010
    ISBN9781441213235
    Author

    Karen Witemeyer

    Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.

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    Reviews for Head in the Clouds

    4/5

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    • 5/5
      I loved this story it was a western version of Jane Eyre yet more spritual
    • 4/5
      Head in the Clouds is the sweet story of Adelaide Proctor in Texas in the late-Nineteenth Century who has been hired as a nanny for a motherless girl on a sheep ranch. Witemeyer focuses not only on the relationship between Adelaide and the little girl, Isabella, but also on the relationship between Adelaide and Gideon, the rancher. The story of Adelaide and Gideon highlights not only the dangers of living in the west in the 1800s, but also the true blessings that come from trusting God to guide you through choices in your life.
    • 5/5
      Head In The Clouds was my first Karen Witemeyer and came highly recommended by a number of fellow readers. This book did not disappoint! What a unique and exciting story! I was hooked from page one and couldn't put the book down. The action/romance was perfectly balanced and I appreciated the action among the romance, rather than just a simple romance story. Witemeyer did an excellent job with this novel.The heroine, Adelaide Proctor, was easy to relate to and I felt as if I were there with her, experiencing everything she went through. I loved her personality and the way she took life and problems head on. Her faith is God was solid, which I was happy about, and she didn't take her faith lightly. What I liked most about this character though is the way she longed for God's approval over her actions over any other. Even after she'd fallen in love, she prayed often about is he was the man God wanted her to marry. I loved Adelaide so much for her fine qualities! Her outgoing personality and her love of books and outdoors reminded me of myself!Gideon, the hero, was an instant like for me. I loved his personality, temperament, outlook on life, protectiveness, and love of his family. He was extremely likable and, in my opinion, awesome. lolSweet little Bella was an excellent add to the story, along with the other side characters. I enjoyed everyone of them - they all fit so perfectly into the story.There are only a few things I need to caution here...First off, Adelaide is molested. While nothing is descriptive aside from the harassment ending in a torn dress, the motive behind the offender is clear and he accuses Adelaide of toying with him and then turning him down, though she did no such thing. Another thing is that a husband is injured and unable to perform his husbandly duties on his wedding night. There is some brief thoughts by the wife on this and she ends up wearing one of his shirts so she can feel close to him. While they are married and this is not immoral, it may make young readers uncomfortable. There are a few instances where it mentions a man's desire for a woman, but nothing explicit whatsoever. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it. If you love a sweet romance, you won't be able to dislike this story...and if you like action, well there's some of that too. It's the perfect mix!
    • 4/5
      In 19th century Texas, Adelaide Proctor has been on the lookout for the man of her dreams like the heroes from her favourite novels but when she leaves her teaching job to follow a traveling salesman she thinks is the one for her, she's devastated to discover he's not what she thought. In the wake of her disappointment she stumbles across an ad for a governess to a rancher's daughter. In short order, Adelaide is installed as the governess to Isabella, a young girl who's refused to speak since the death of her mother and the ward of the very handsome Gideon Westcott. But as Adelaide works with Isabella and finds herself drawn to Gideon, shadows from Isabella's past threaten the happy ending Adelaide thinks she's finally found.A solid Christian romance with a healthy suspense plot, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and stayed up late to read it all in one sitting. Adelaide is a perfectly charming heroine and Gideon is equally delightful. What I enjoy most about Witemeyer's Christian romances is that there's a healthy dose of humour that often leaves me giggling aloud. Thoroughly worth reading if you enjoy the genre.
    • 3/5
      This was a cute story about Adelaide Proctor, a woman who travelled to Texas to get married and it didn't work out. Looking for work, she's hired by Gideon Westcott, a sheep rancher. The premise of the book reminds me of "The Harvey Girls" but the protagonist becomes a governess instead of a waitress. Of course, she falls in love and finds happiness but the fun is in the journey.This review is based on an advance reader's copy provided by the publisher.
    • 5/5
      Adelaide Proctor is a young school teacher who longs for a husband and a family of her own. Her teaching contract is quite explicit in stating that she cannot marry during the term of the contract. When circumstances bring a traveling book salesman, Henry Belcher, across her path, little does she realize that he is simply a worthless philanderer who already has a wife. Instead, she misinterprets his attentions and rashly resigns her position and sets off to follow him, hoping to become his bride. It matters not that Adelaide doesn't feel the spark of romance that she has always dreamed of; that will come with time, she decides.The situation that Adelaide next finds herself in is humiliating and only her quick thinking saves her from being completely mortified. In an effort to save face and thinking that God has abandoned her, she applies for a position as governess to the daughter of rancher Gideon Wescott. Gideon has left a home of wealth and privilege in England to make it on his own as a sheep rancher in America. On his voyage to America, he aids and befriends the mother of young Isabella and becomes Isabella's guardian and adoptive father when the mother dies.The adventures that await Miss Proctor as she assumes the role of governess to the ward of Gideon Wescott are filled with peril, adventure, excitement, humor, and, yes, with romance too. Gideon and Adelaide must unite forces to protect Isabella from her greedy and evil uncle who wants to obtain custody solely for the fortune attached.This book is, without a doubt, one of the best books that I have read in a long while. This book of historical romance is not a book that I would normally pick up to read. As a rule, I much prefer contemporary fiction filled with suspense and mystery. However, in giving this book a rating, I would definitely have to assign the highest marks possible. Head in the Clouds has something for everyone; the suspense and drama, interwoven with elements of rich humor, make it a book that demands that you keep turning the pages and allows no stopping point. In fact, I took the book with me to school to read on my lunch break and became so immersed in the story that I nearly forgot to stop in time for my afternoon classes.From the beautiful front cover to the final word in the text, this book captures the reader and takes them back in time on a journey fraught with peril and adventure. Through it all, Karen Witemeyer paints a picture with her words that show God's faithfulness to His own. She very adeptly shows that what man may mean for evil, God can take and use for good.If you are looking for a good book to read, I highly recommend this book to you. If you are looking for a Christmas gift for a friend or loved one, you won't go wrong if you give them a copy of Head in the Clouds.
    • 5/5
      Cisco, Texas-April 1883 Adelaide Proctor was a school teacher and had meet a book salesman and as she had never had a beau before, she was really taken with him, she gave up her job and went to find him after he changed his job. She was so surprised when the first day she met him alone with his wife and child. She had no idea what she was going to do until she saw an ad in the paper where a sheep farmer was needing a Governess for his small daughter. She applied and found out there were three more going for the interview. She got the job and she and the little mute girl bonded so well.Adelaide always wanted a family as she really loved working here with the little girl and learned to love her as if she was her own child, she also liked the father. But will things work out and get Isabella to talk again and will she finally get the family she had always wanted since her father had died.This book will catch you from the first page with it humor, love and mystery. This is the first book I have read from Karen Witemeyer but it will not be my last. She keep me so into the book I could not put it down, I read it in two days.The review copy of this book was sent to me by Bethany House Publishers for review.
    • 4/5
      This is an historical romance novel based in Texas in 1880. Adelaide Proctor, orphan, and young woman, quits her teaching job to follow a man to another city after he dumps her. After her true situation comes to light, she searches for another job and lands one as a governess, taking care of a little mute girl on the ranch of Gideon Westcott. The plot revolves around the little girl, also an orphan, and her inheritance which an evil uncle wants for himself.This is an enjoyable read for those who love Christian romance novels.
    • 5/5
      I loved this sweet novel! I had the chance to review A Tailor Made Bride, Karen Witemeyer's debut novel, so when it came to me that I could review her second novel, Head in the Clouds, I just couldn't refuse. Karen's writing style had me hooked from page one of A Tailor Made Bride, so I knew that with this book, her writing style would be as good, or better. I was not disappointed, as I absolutely LOVED this witty book even more so than her first one.I was instantly in 1800's Texas, sitting at a table next to Adelaide. I was dressed the same, saw the same things, felt the same emotions, as she. I love that feeling. Don't you wish you could travel to that time and place and live simpler? I sure do! And for just a time, with all her wit and humor added to Adelaide's character, Karen Witmeyer really makes me feel like I've lived in that time and place. All Adelaide wants, being a fellow book lover and all, is to find her Mr. Right, the one that she so often reads about in many novels. Someone who will sweep her of her feet in a heroic rush of gallantry.Gideon Westcott left a life in prestigious England to chase a decent life here in America. Including being a father to a sweet young daughter named Bella. But when he advertises for a governess for this precious child, he never imagined the spunky Adelaide Proctor to fill the position! Boy oh boy, did the fun start then when he gave in and hired her. Wowee!I absolutely would love to have Gideon jump out of the pages of this book and become real so I can have my heroic ending. Karen Witmeyer's 5 star novel certainly makes me wish my head was in the clouds where I might find Gideon, or at least someone who resembles a hard working, loving and gentle man! A message of hope and longing, love and God's perfect timing is woven in this sassy new novel (oh and I must say that there is just a teeny tiny twist of suspense to it) and it's one that I most definitely recommend to everyone who loved Karen's debut, or who just loves a witty historical novel full of love and laughs.
    • 4/5
      This book took a little more time for me to get into, but once I did it was well worth it. It's a sweet romance with a little suspense. The characters were fun. This was the first book by Karen Witmeyer I had the opportunity to read. I enjoyed the book and will definitely be picking up another book by the author. Thanks Bethany house for the opportunity to review!!!
    • 4/5
      "Head in the Clouds" was a fun read. I really like how Adelaide formed a bond with Isabella from the very beginning and through her love for her brought her out of her silence. I liked the combination of suspense and romance. I would definetely read more books written by Karen Witemeyer. She kept my interest throughtout the book.
    • 4/5
      Head in the Clouds was a quick read. It's a Christian historical romance, and better written than many in that genre. Adelaide Proctor, out of work because of a failed relationship, takes a position as a governess for sheep rancher Gideon Westcott, caring for his daughter Isabella. Adelaide's romance with Gideon feels inevitable, and not much stands in their way. But Bella's villainous uncle has evil plans that threaten them all.... I found Adelaide to be a thoroughly likable character, and Isabella was well rounded as well, not simply a child figure there for requirements of the plot. Adelaide grows as she learns to trust God and follow His leading. The relationship between Adelaide and Gideon has no real twists and turns, and Reginald is a stereotypical movie bad guy. A great read overall, fast paced for a historical setting. I'd like to read more of this author.
    • 5/5
      Received this from Early Reviewers Giveaway and was so glad. This was such a cute book. It is an American historical (American frontier) with a young woman who is a teacher and has great romantic dreams. Dreams that are suddenly stomped on when she is mislead by a man. Now stranded without a job she looks through a newspaper trying to figure out what to do and sees an ad for a governess. The book is Christian, but it is not preachy. Both of the main characters are Christians and strong in their beliefs. Gideon has a daughter that is his ward, but she is in danger from a unscrupulous uncle who wants her fortune. Gideon and Adelaide work together to protect and care for Bella. And along the way something may be growing between them.Really enjoyed reading this, i had a hard time putting it down. Good storyline, great characters, and excellent writing. Cannot wait to read more by this author.PS. Love the cover, in her signature yellow, this actually from a scene in the book.
    • 5/5
      Adelaide is a delightful character in this historical Christian novel. Set in 1880's Texas, she is on a spiritual as well as physical journey. As she allows God to guide her, rather than her selfish desires, He places her in the home of Gideon Westcott, Englishman and sheep herder. She is hired as governess to his 5 year old charge. Little Isabelle has not spoken since her mother's death. Adelaide is exactly the person needed in the situation as she proves over and over. Many adventures take place as Adelaide and Gideon fall for each other. I loved this story and hope there is more to come.
    • 5/5
      Loved it! Head in the Clouds was such an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Some of the Old West stories fall short but this one is well done. I will recommend this one to my friends.
    • 5/5
      My thanks to Early Reviewers and Bethany House for the chance to review this book.Head in the Clouds is wonderful Christian fiction with just the right amount of romance and action. I truly enjoyed the chemistry between Addie and Gideon. Their love for Isabella and their desire to keep her safe from her evil uncle draws them closer together. The references to religion are simple to relate to the story and not pushy. Historical romances that take place in the Old West are my favorite and this one will go on my keeper shelf.
    • 3/5
      Adeleide Proctor is a young school teacher looking for love who find herself teaching the mute ward of a handsome rancher who also just happens to be British nobility (naturally). This wasn't great and it wasn't awful. The plot is absurd, but there's nothing wrong with that. The writing is generally good, and the characters are even fairly well developed. What's missing is chemistry between Adeleide and Gideon. At the (predictable) end, I just didn't feel that they liked each other that much. I don't mind a predictable and rather absurd plot, but it needs excellent character development and chemistry between the characters - and the author didn't deliver that.
    • 5/5
      Adelaide Proctor longs for romance and a hero to call her own. When she follows a fellow she thinks will fit that bill she is surprised to learn that he is married. Stuck in a new town with no job and very little money prompts her to apply for a governess position caring for the daughter of handsome rancher, Gideon Westcott. She gets the job when he sees how very good she is with his 'silent' Isabella. As Adelaide slowly draws Bella out of her shell with her playful and endearing ways she also slowly starts winning the heart of Gideon. But Bella's uncle wants her inheritance and will stop at nothing to get it. Maybe even murder!This was the first book I've read by this author but I can tell you it won't be my last. The story was a well balanced mix of romance and suspense with splashes humor and touching moments along the way. Filled with great characters and lots of snappy dialog it held my attention from beginning to end. Adelaide was the type of heroine I love reading about. She was sweet yet feisty and her playful manner made me want to be like her. Gideon was a wonderful hero. He was strong yet sensitive and tender. Isabella is at the center of the story and is so cute you'll want to adopt her as your own. One thing I really appreciated about the story was that it reminds us that just because bad things happen to us doesn't mean God's not taking care of us. It was also clever how the author used an old testament story to guide out heroine. This was just an all around GREAT story that I would highly recommend. Great job, Karen! A thank you goes to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for this complimentary review copy.
    • 5/5
      I thoroughly enjoyed Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer. Her story had just the right amount of suspence to keep me turning the pages. The attraction between the lead characters warmed my heart and I loved the mix of English nobility and the American West. As a piece of Christian fiction, this rates up there with Dee Henderson and Kristen Heitzman. Karen Witemeyer is one of my new favorites!
    • 2/5
      I tend to like books less when I listen to the audio version (something about the annoying voices they always give the characters, ESPECIALLY Isabella's voice and ohmygosh the sleazy Jose, gah) so maybe this is unfair. But I really didn't like this book. I'm used to Ms. Witemeyer's style, but this was just way too melodramatic, even for her. Adelaide was too back and forth for me. I hate that she accepted Giddeon's proposal. Isabella was not at all lifelike to me. I have a six year old and this child was too babyish and too perfect for much of the time. Actually, I think that's the issue I have with these books- the characters do not seem to be given any flaws. They don't change, they don't grow. The villain's were too over the top. Nothing in the book was subtle or slow building, and therefore none of it felt lasting.

      I really enjoyed the first book of Witemeyer's that I read, Short Straw Bride, and though I have not read them in chronological order, it seems that they are getting more and more desperate with the violence, threats, declarations of love, and obstabcles, and so I'm liking them increasingly less (if that makes sense).
    • 5/5
      It was really a heartwarming tale. I love Gideon and Addie as a couple lol. And omg Izzy is soo adorable, she makes me want to have kids ?
    • 3/5
      Witemeyer’s second novel is much like her first, which I reviewed earlier this year: Headstrong heroine, a do-no-wrong hero, and a “bad guy” or two whose motives (and violent tendencies) are one-dimensional.Taken as a whole, I enjoyed the novel enough to recommend it as a rainy-day read borrowed from the library. It wasn’t bad, but like Witemeyer’s first novel, there were a few things that irked me… for that matter, some of the things have been bothering me within the genre as a whole, as well.For starters, I’m sick and tired of the rape motif in Christian fiction. Yes, women were and are vulnerable, but does that honestly mean that every ill-intentioned man wants to sexually violate women? Isn’t there anything else that writers can choose as a man’s vice in order to portray him as a ‘bad guy’. Not every BAD man in the world wants to rape women, but it seems that in historical fiction these days, if you’re evil, you’re also a rapist.Look, even criminals have moral boundaries (not all, I know, but most). And life isn’t so black and white that all ‘bad guys’ want to sexually abuse women and all ‘good guys’ are 100% chaste and wouldn’t even be willing to indulge an impure thought. Seriously, CBA, is this how you want to portray male/female relationships to impressionable female minds?The ‘good guy’ won’t always ride in to save the day, and the ‘bad guy’ doesn’t always want to violate you. So why is this showing up in nearly EVERY SINGLE CHRISTIAN HISTORICAL NOVEL I’ve read these days?!?! Yes, I know lately I’ve been singing the praises of the CBA market and the changes it’s been making, but no one is perfect and that includes publishers. Maybe this is part of the attempt to be ‘edgy’ and ‘realistic’, but it’s becoming an epidemic and I’m sick of reading it.It’s insulting to men in general, and it’s demoralizing to women. I don’t want to see it anymore, and I’m stating right here, right now, that I will not finish any more Christian Historicals that include this as a way to characterize its male characters./endrantBut back to the book. The heroine is mostly likable, and the hero is mostly perfect, and everyone lives happily ever after, albeit cut and bruised (and recovering from bullet wounds), etc., etc.I have yet to figure out why there’s a focus on the heroine’s love of novel-reading in the back cover copy (and the image) when this aspect of her personality is barely touched on (I think she mentions a book by name once… you’d think it would be happening all the time, based on the description) so I found this piece of her character lacking and undeveloped.Still, like I said… if you’re looking for a (mostly) feel-good, rainy-day read, it might be worth your time.Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
    • 4/5
      As one review stated so well, this is "the perfect blend of humor, history, and romance". It takes place in Texas during 1880 and is truly a 'full length feature film' in a book form.Adelaide Proctor is a romantic young teacher who is longing for a real-life hero to capture her heart. Through a difficult heartbreaking situation, she ends up going to work for a handsome ranch owner, Gideon Westcott, and becoming a teacher to his "daughter" Bella, who hasn't spoken a word since she lost her mother.Then there is the villain in the story, Bella's uncle, who wants to claim her for her inheritance. Gideon and Adelaide will work together to protect little Bella. But the longer these two are around each other, the greater the attraction. This was a story that captures your attention and holds it all the way through until the end.
    • 2/5
      I dont usually read "christian fiction" genre but I liked the cute cover and enjoy a challenge so I picked up. In general religious stuff aint my thing, but I was able to finish this book because it wasn't overly blatant. The problems I did have were more with historical inaccuracies and awkward portrayals of minority characters that I felt barely toed the line of acceptable. I tried to let it slide since it is fiction but it still bothered me, and I found in particular the scene with a porter offensive. But I did finish the book. It was ok. Nothing exciting or exceptional; overall it was just an ok mild romance set in the 1800s with western setting. I still do like that cover though lol

      1 person found this helpful

    Book preview

    Head in the Clouds - Karen Witemeyer

    16:9

    Prologue

    CISCO, TEXAS—APRIL 1883

    Tonight is the night. She could feel it.

    Adelaide Proctor stared at the man across from her, so many flutters dancing in her stomach she couldn’t possibly eat a bite of the apple pie he’d just ordered for her. The secret smiles he’d sent her that morning over breakfast at the boardinghouse, his request to dine with her so they might discuss the future . . .

    The future! How could it be anything else? Henry Belcher was finally going to propose.

    Is the pie not to your liking, my dear? He set his fork down and glanced up at her. Always solicitous, that was her Henry.

    I’m sure it’s delicious, Adelaide said, looking down at her lap and fiddling with the hem of the white tablecloth. It’s just that you mentioned you wished to discuss something with me this evening, and I’m afraid my curiosity has stolen my appetite.

    Of course. How thoughtless of me. He pushed his plate of half-eaten pie to the side and reached across the table, holding his hand palm up. I should not have kept you in suspense all through dinner.

    With a hitch in her breath, Adelaide drew one arm from her lap and eased her fingers into his. His thumb rubbed the back of her hand—an intimate gesture that infused her with hope. And if it didn’t stir her deeper emotions . . . well, what did that matter? Not all marriages were based on a grand passion. She and Henry shared something much more likely to last: common interests and mutual respect. If carefully cultivated, she had no doubt such attributes would bloom into love.

    You have come to mean so very much to me over this last year, Henry said, his tone oozing sincerity. Every month when I start my route anew, I long for the day the train brings me to Cisco so that I might see you again. You’ve been so loyal to me, ordering books for your classroom or yourself. I can’t tell you how much your generosity has stirred my heart.

    Adelaide met his gaze, her own heart stirring. I love to read, and I . . . I try to instill a similar value in my students. She gently squeezed Henry’s fingers and watched as his mouth curved into a warm, masculine smile. You always go out of your way to find just the right books for us. Other peddlers try to foist only their most expensive volumes. But not you. You care about your customers. I could tell that right from the start.

    "I care about you, my dear."

    Adelaide’s pulse hummed through her like a whirligig picking up speed. Before the T&P brought Henry to town, she had despaired of ever finding a husband. She’d signed a two-year teaching contract that precluded her from marrying within that time frame. The few suitors who had demonstrated interest when she first arrived lost patience and married elsewhere. But all her waiting was about to pay off.

    Henry reached across the table with his other arm and cocooned her hand within both of his. I care about you a great deal, Adelaide. That is why I’ve been reluctant to spoil our dinner with the news I must share with you.

    Spoil our dinner? Unease slithered through her. What do you mean?

    I received word from the home office. I’m to be promoted from salesman to regional manager.

    Relief so keen it nearly hurt washed over Adelaide. Henry, she scolded, shame on you. You had me thinking the news was going to be dreadful. A promotion is cause for celebration. I’m so proud of you.

    Henry patted her hand in a way that felt less like reassurance and more like sympathy. You don’t understand, darling. I’ll be working in Fort Worth permanently. I won’t be traveling the rail lines any longer. There will be no more visits to Cisco.

    Adelaide didn’t care if she left Cisco. Didn’t he realize that? She’d gladly resign from her teaching position and move to Fort Worth if it meant having a husband and family of her own. She’d yearned for such a blessing since the day her father died.

    It breaks my heart to think that I’ll not see you again. Henry’s expression was so somber it frightened her. Was he not going to propose? Could he be so unsure of her answer that he’d not risk asking her to choose him over her students?

    Yes. That must be it.

    How could she embolden him without being too brazen? Adelaide nibbled on her lip and leaned forward in her chair. With all the tales you’ve told me about Fort Worth’s burgeoning society—the concerts, the fancy hotel dining rooms, the parties of the wealthy cattle barons—I would think you’d be pleased to settle in such a town. She lowered her lashes. "I would be happy to call such a place home."

    Adelaide peeked at Henry to judge his response. His sad smile remained fixed, his eyes unchanged. After a year of acquaintance she should have been able to decipher his mood better, but in truth, if she tallied all the days she’d actually spent in his company, they would barely add up to a couple of weeks. That’s what came from stepping out with a traveling book salesman. Riding the rails was his business. She’d only seen him once or twice a month. Yet, in those few days, she’d come to believe that Providence had brought him to her.

    Henry released a heavy sigh and then slid his hands away from hers as he sat back. I wish I could take you with me.

    Why can’t you? Adelaide withdrew her hand and fisted it around the dinner napkin in her lap. He’s leaving me?

    Before the panic could fully claim her, Henry smiled—a beatific expression void of all worry and disappointment. Who knows? he said. Fate may bring us together again.

    Adelaide loosened her grip on the napkin and successfully inhaled a full breath. Everything would be fine. It would. Something was holding Henry back, but he still cared for her. He wouldn’t have hinted at a future together otherwise. Perhaps this was simply the Lord’s way of testing her commitment.

    As she looked across the table at Henry, she straightened her spine and nodded. They would meet again one day. She’d see to it. It didn’t matter what obstacle kept him from offering for her tonight. They would overcome it. The happy ending she’d longed for was within her grasp. She’d not let a little distance or a hesitant suitor steal it from her.

    Chapter 1

    ONE MONTH LATER . . .

    The grandest adventure of her life waited on the other side of these tracks. That or the most humiliating debacle she’d ever created. Either way, there was no going back.

    Adelaide Proctor drew in a deep, hope-filled breath . . . and nearly choked on the pungent odor of cattle dung wafting up from the stock pens farther down the rail line. She sputtered and wrinkled her nose but stepped forward nonetheless. It was of little consequence that Fort Worth smelled like manure or that gray clouds darkened the afternoon sky. She had traveled there to capture her dream, and nothing would deter her.

    Adelaide waded across the depot platform through a sea of people who bustled about with energetic purpose. Returning travelers hurried to greet loved ones. Station attendants unloaded mailbags and other cargo. Hotel drummers plied newcomers with solicitations, each representative promising finer accommodations than the last. Adelaide drifted through them all, uncertainty dimming her excitement.

    A gust of wind swirled around her and tugged at her straw bonnet. She smashed it back down on her head and stopped for a moment to adjust her hatpin. As she wiggled the pin into place, the locomotive behind her let out a burst of steam, its loud hiss startling her into motion. At a loss over which way to go and already missing the simplicity of small town life, Adelaide allowed herself to be swept along with the crowd.

    It certainly hadn’t taken long for the first pangs of homesickness to hit. She’d only left Cisco a few hours ago. Aunt Louise would be tsking up a storm if she could see her. One would think that a young woman who had spent four years in Boston furthering her education and polishing her social graces would be right at home in a place the size of Fort Worth. Yet Adelaide remained a country girl at heart. No amount of social polish or book learning had been able to change that. Much to Aunt Louise’s everlasting consternation.

    Pardon, ma’am. A boy no older than fifteen wheeled a cart loaded with trunks and leather bags into her path. She sidestepped to let him by. He nodded his thanks but didn’t pause in his work and soon disappeared into the crowd.

    The image of his young face stayed with her, reminding her of her former charges. Boys with McGuffey’s readers on their desks and lizards in their pockets. She bit back the wistful sigh that rose in her throat, surprised to find that it tasted suspiciously like regret.

    Adelaide straightened her spine and lengthened her stride. Regret? This was no time for second thoughts. It was time to chase her dreams. Henry was somewhere in this city, and she aimed to find him. She would teach again someday, if not in a schoolhouse, then with her own children. Hers and Henry’s. Her heart gave a little leap at the idea. Today was once-upon-a-time for her. The first page in a story that promised to lead to happily-ever-after.

    Have a place to stay, miss? A man wearing a green uniform approached her with a salesman’s smile. Clark House is the nearest hotel to the depot, he said, his discourse well rehearsed. It’s only a few steps away on Main Street. Guaranteed clean rooms. Fine dining. Respectable lodging for a young woman like yourself. I can even cart your luggage for you.

    Clark House. Something about that name sounded familiar. Adelaide tipped her chin up to get a good look at the drummer. Her father had taught her to take a man’s measure by looking him straight in the eye. Unfortunately, few men were short enough to make that task as simple as it sounded, so she had to settle for assessing him at an angle. The cap he wore bore the words Clark House etched into a brass oval above the brim. He looked legitimate.

    Is there a livery stable near your establishment?

    Before he could answer, a man in blue appeared at her elbow. Afternoon, miss. If a livery is what you need, the Day Hotel is the place for you. Freighter’s Wagon Yard is around the corner and Turner’s Livery is right across the street. Plenty of options to help a lady like yourself get around town.

    Thank you, but I—

    Turner’s Livery is actually closer to Clark House, miss, the man in green insisted as he shot a glare at the interloper. I’d be happy to show—

    Ack. Don’t believe a word either of these fellas is tellin’ ya, lady.

    Gracious. Now there was one in red vying for her attention. Adelaide turned from one to the next. They were like park pigeons, pecking at each other in hopes of winning her crumb. And the longer she put off her decision the hungrier they became, edging closer and closer. Adelaide retreated a step.

    What you need is a room at the Clayton, the red one said. Our rates are much lower than these other rackets. We got good food, too.

    The men jostled each other as they tried to sell her on their establishments, their words running together. Adelaide’s gaze darted back and forth. Her breaths grew shallow and came a touch too fast, making her dizzy. Then one statement rose above the rest to grab her attention.

    I assure you that Clark House’s restaurant offers the finest fare in town. All of Fort Worth’s elite dine there.

    Now she knew where she had heard that name before—from Henry. When the boardinghouse fare was not to his liking in Cisco, he would rave about the sophisticated dishes he ate in Fort Worth, his favorite being the beefsteak at Clark House. So tender it would dissolve on a man’s tongue before he could chew it.

    Adelaide made her decision. If Henry frequented the restaurant at Clark House, that’s where she’d stay. Who knew, the staff might even be able to provide his address.

    I’ll be staying at Clark House, gentlemen.

    The man in green smirked at his competitors, then tugged his vest over his waistband and straightened his face before turning his attention back to her. He nodded with a regal air. Excellent. I’ll make the arrangements.

    The other men grumbled under their breath but ceded the victory, fading back into the crowd to hunt some other unsuspecting traveler. Adelaide snapped open the ball clasp on her handbag, feeling better now that the pigeons had fluttered off, and dug out two baggage tickets. She handed them to the Clark House drummer along with a couple of coins. If you would be so kind as to fetch my trunks, I’ll collect my mare.

    Very good, miss. He pocketed the coins and pulled out a small writing tablet. Your name, please?

    Adelaide Proctor.

    His pencil moved across the paper. I’ll see to it that your room is prepared and that a key is waiting for you at the front desk. He flipped a page and scribbled some more. If you take this note to Turner’s Livery, they’ll give you a discount on boarding fees. He tore off the page and extended it to her. Just go a block past Clark House. It’ll be on your right.

    Thank you.

    The drummer headed toward the baggage car, leaving Adelaide to find her way to the stock area. Now that the crowd had thinned, she had a clearer view of the railcars. Plotting a path toward the rear of the train, Adelaide crossed the wooden platform to where a rail worker was unloading horses from a ventilated boxcar. She recognized Sheba’s glossy black tail and haunches as the mare skittishly backed down the ramp. The livery owner in Cisco had urged her to sell Sheba to him before she left town, but she couldn’t bear to do it. Her father had given her that filly the summer she turned sixteen. The same year he died. Sheba connected her to the only parent she’d ever known. She couldn’t possibly sever that tie.

    Reaching the edge of the platform, she lifted the hem of her mustard-colored traveling dress just enough to safely descend the steps to the hard-packed dirt near the tracks. The handler led Sheba to a trough, and Adelaide let her drink her fill before walking her down to the livery.

    In an effort to apologize for stuffing her into a smelly stockcar for the last several hours, Adelaide borrowed a curry comb from the stableboy and gave Sheba a thorough brush down.

    What do you think, girl? Is this a good place to make a new start? Dust billowed out of Sheba’s ebony coat as Adelaide applied the comb in long strokes.

    I know Henry’s not the romantic hero I’d always hoped would sweep me off my feet, but he’ll be a good provider.

    Sheba snorted, unimpressed.

    Oh, hush. Adelaide pulled up a wooden stool and stood on it to reach Sheba’s mane.

    Even if Henry was not as passionate as Charlotte Brontë’s Mr. Rochester or as chivalrous as Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy, he had his charms.

    It was high time she let go of her girlish fancies anyway. She’d waited years for a hero to walk out of the well-worn pages of the books she read by lantern light and capture her heart. But he never came. He always seemed to find someone prettier, or more biddable, or with better bloodlines. Well, she was tired of waiting. Tired of being passed over. She would shape her own destiny. She might not have found Mr. Heroic, but Mr. Satisfactory would do just fine.

    After checking in to her room at Clark House and rinsing off the travel dirt, Adelaide changed into a lemon gingham dress that lightened her mood with its cheerful hue and headed down to the hotel dining room for supper.

    No tables were available when she arrived, so she took a seat in the adjoining sitting room. A young girl perched on the edge of a red plush settee in the center of the room, blushing prettily as her swain wooed her with clumsy compliments. A more sophisticated couple stood conversing in the far corner, apparently discussing the merits of the landscape painting that dominated the wall beside them. Adelaide couldn’t help but notice how the woman’s gloved hand rested securely in the crook of the gentleman’s arm, and how he smiled at her with comfortable intimacy.

    Envy flared within her. She turned away. Tucking her ankles beneath the base of her chair, she directed her gaze to the floor. There was nothing so awkward as being the only unattached female in a room of couples.

    A discarded newspaper lay on the parlor table near her elbow. She snatched it up, hoping for a distraction. Her eyes roved back and forth across the page, but the words didn’t penetrate her mind. Oh well. Pretending to read served her purposes, too. She’d just hide behind the Gazette until her table was ready or the lovers left. Whichever came first.

    Her chair was positioned in such a way that she could view the entrance to the dining area through the sitting-room doorway if she twisted her head to the side just a bit. And leaned back several inches. And hooked her foot around a chair leg so she didn’t lose her balance while she teetered on the edge of her seat.

    The headwaiter rarely looked in her direction, but she planned to be ready with the most pitiful, pleading, puppy-dog expression she could muster if he did. She wanted nothing more than to slink off to her room, but the ham sandwich she had packed for the train ride had long since disappeared from her stomach. If she were to wrangle an early table, she’d be able to gulp down a quick meal and make her escape. After all, the sooner this day ended, the sooner she could set about the task of finding Henry. Then she would be the one whose hand rested on a gentleman’s arm and who swam in a flood of adoring glances. Yep. As soon as she found Henry, everything would be better.

    Have a good evening, Mr. Belcher, the headwaiter intoned from the restaurant’s entrance. I hope the food was to your liking tonight.

    Mr. Belcher? Adelaide’s heart pounded. Henry? She shoved the paper into her lap. The crinkling sound deafened her to the man’s response. She leaned to the side and craned her neck to see his face, but two patróns blocked her view. Willing the woman and young boy to get out of the way, Adelaide leaned farther, needing to see him. He was the right height, and his pomaded hair glistened just like Henry’s. . . .

    The oak chair leg bruised her foot as she pulled farther away from her support. If he would just turn around . . .

    Plop.

    Adelaide fell onto the floor in a graceless heap. Face aflame, she shot up as fast as possible, ignoring the gasps and titters from others in the room.

    Oh my. Are you all right, dear?

    The woman from the dining room left the boy’s side and came to assist her. Adelaide waved off her concern, the crumpled newspaper rustling in her hand.

    I’m fine, really. Thank you.

    Well, if you’re sure . . .

    She began to nod, but the mystery man turned around at that very moment, and she froze with her chin tipped at an odd angle.

    At the sight of his familiar features, happiness burst inside her. "Henry! It is you." She had found him on her very first day in town. God had led him right to her. How marvelous!

    She moved toward him, but her steps slowed as the color drained from his face. Somehow she had expected a flush of pleasure, not deathly pallor. It must’ve been the shock of seeing her outside their usual setting.

    Miss Proctor, how delightful to see you again. Are you taking a holiday?

    His voice sounded odd, rather squeaky and pinched. Dots of perspiration stood out on his forehead. Adelaide struggled to make sense of his reaction. He had always been confident and controlled. Had she really flustered him so badly? Before she could think of a way to politely ask what on earth was the matter with him, the kind woman who had come to her aid edged around her to stand next to Henry.

    You know this young woman, dear?

    Did she call everyone dear?

    Henry took a handkerchief from his coat pocket and dabbed his brow. Yes. Miss Proctor teaches school in Cisco, one of the stops along my old route. She was one of my best customers. Has a hankering for novels, as I recall.

    He gave a forced little laugh that did nothing to make Adelaide feel better. In fact, a sick feeling settled in the pit of her stomach.

    I see. The woman smiled with guarded warmth. She reached out to clasp the hand of the boy who stood watching the adults with wide eyes, and drew him to her side. Then she placed her other hand in the crook of Henry’s arm. Just like the elegant woman in the sitting room.

    An unseen weight pressed down on Adelaide’s chest until she could scarcely breathe. No. Please, God. It can’t be.

    It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Proctor. The woman flexed her fingers slightly, tightening her grip on Henry’s arm. I’m Caroline Belcher. Henry’s wife.

    Chapter 2

    The Bible taught that truth set a person free, but Adelaide had never felt more trapped. She wanted to slap Henry’s face and spit on his shoe. She wanted to strike out at the woman who held the arm of the man who was supposed to be hers. She wanted to weep over her shattered dreams. Yet she did none of those things. After all, the woman had been kind to her, and the boy with the wide eyes didn’t deserve to have his illusions destroyed. One disaster stemming from this meeting was more than enough.

    Choking down the bile that burned the back of her throat, Adelaide nudged her lips into a shape she hoped resembled a smile. It is an honor to meet you, Mrs. Belcher.

    The woman dipped her head in acknowledgment. Will you be in town long?

    No. My business concluded earlier than I anticipated. I’ll be taking my leave shortly.

    She wanted to take her leave right then—saddle Sheba and ride off, far and fast. But courtesy demanded she stand her ground and pretend there wasn’t a volcano of emotions erupting inside her.

    We really must be going, Caroline. You know how much clerical work waits for me at home. The source of her trouble became her rescuer as Henry tugged his family toward the door. Undoubtedly he cared more about protecting himself than her, but she was too glad to see them go to care about his motives.

    Good evening, Miss Proctor. He failed to meet her eye.

    "Good-bye, Mr. Belcher."

    The instant the family exited onto the street, Adelaide hoisted her skirts and ran for the stairs. Her empty stomach didn’t matter. The curious hotel guests didn’t matter. The fact that she was still gripping the mangled newspaper in her hand didn’t matter. All she cared about was escape.

    When the door to her room clicked shut behind her, she threw herself onto the bed and sobbed. She smothered her anguished moans in the white feather pillow that the hotel maid had plumped so beautifully and cried until it became a soggy mess. Once she ran out of tears, anger took over. First she got mad at the pillow for being so wet and clammy and hurled it across the room. Then she turned her ire onto the unsuspecting mattress, pummeling the ticking with her fists.

    How could he abuse her trust like that? He intentionally led her to believe he was unmarried. The cad! She had given up everything for him. Her job. Her friends. Her self-respect. The scoundrel probably had a woman at every train stop between Longview and Abilene. Women to divert him during those long, taxing business trips. Widows. Spinsters. Lonely women who were overly susceptible to his charms. Women easily led astray. Women . . . like her.

    A sorrowful groan vibrated in her chest. How could she have been so foolish? She should have suspected something was amiss when he never spoke of their future in any detail and offered only vague promises that really were no promises at all. Now here she was, nose running, eyes puffy, arms sore from tenderizing a hotel mattress, all over a man she’d never really loved in the first place. To be honest, she didn’t mourn losing Henry. She mourned the loss of the dreams he represented. Romance. Family. An arm to lean on and a warm, masculine smile that belonged to her alone. She had bought into his snake oil, believing it to be the cure for what ailed her heart. Yet his restorative turned out to be plain old sugar water—sweet at first but worthless in the end.

    Wrung out, she slid off the side of the bed into a limp pile of self-pity. She rested her head against the badly wrinkled coverlet that hung askew over the edge of the bed and turned her recriminations in one final direction.

    Why did you let this happen, Lord? Her voice, scratchy and weak, wobbled over the question. You let a man of deceit prey on one of your children. Why didn’t you protect me from him instead of leaving me to flounder around by myself?

    Stung by the injustice of it all, Adelaide hit the mattress a final time, then jabbed her finger at the ceiling. I prayed about this, God. You know I did. For weeks I asked you to show me what to do about Henry. I petitioned you for wisdom. I pled for guidance. And all I got was silence. How is that supposed to help?

    No answer echoed through the rafters or even whispered to her heart. God didn’t seem to be on speaking terms with her at the moment, and she had no idea why. Yelling at him probably didn’t help matters, but David had ranted often enough in his psalms, so it must be allowable in times of extreme distress. Still, her tirade felt a tad irreverent.

    Looking up out of the corners of her eyes, she mumbled a quick apology, then turned around and leaned her back against the bed frame. She exhaled a heavy sigh and drew her knees to her chest, hugging them tight. Her head fell forward as she curled into herself. Why has God abandoned me? She knew he never promised his followers a trouble-free life, but he did promise to always be there for them. So why wasn’t he? Why was he silent?

    Too weary to ponder the mind of God any longer, Adelaide wrapped her fingers around the bedpost and hoisted herself to her feet. She hobbled over to her trunk and pulled out a clean cotton nightgown and held it to her breast as she wandered toward the window that overlooked the street.

    The sky had cleared considerably since her arrival, but one large cloud lingered. White and rimmed with gray, it hovered directly above the saloon across the street, bringing to mind a Bible story she used to teach her students. Of course in the Bible, God’s cloud had hovered over the tabernacle, not a saloon, but still, it was a symbol of his guidance. A tiny flutter stirred in her heart. Could God be trying to tell her that he was with her?

    Adelaide stared at the cloud, waiting for . . . something. Some kind of message explaining what her next step should be. But the cloud just hung there, as if suspended on an unseen thread. Hazy, undefined, and completely unhelpful. Adelaide sighed and turned away from the window. She tossed her nightgown onto the bed and sank into the upholstered armchair in the corner, tucking her feet under her the way she used to do as a little girl in her father’s study.

    If only she could go back to Cisco and pretend none of this had ever happened. But that was impossible. The school board had already hired her replacement. She would have no means to support herself. Besides, the humiliation would be unbearable. Whispers about her shameful man-chasing behavior would circulate through town, destroying her reputation. No. She couldn’t go back.

    Adelaide opened her eyes and stared straight ahead, focused on nothing but the blank slate that was now her future. Willing herself not to panic, she took a deep breath and dug out the logic that had always served her well when handling problems in the classroom. Granted, solving the mystery of where Beth Hansen’s lunch bucket disappeared to every day after recess wasn’t quite on the same level as her current dilemma, but maybe a similar thought process would produce at least a modicum of insight.

    All right. She knew where she wasn’t going—back to Cisco. That narrowed her options down to only a few thousand other possibilities. So how was she supposed to choose one?

    She glanced over her shoulder at the window. The cloud still lingered outside. Why did she get the feeling it was there for her benefit? The flutter in her heart returned, stronger this time. God had used clouds to guide his people in the past. Perhaps he meant to do so again.

    But a cloud? Adelaide huffed out a breath and crossed her arms over her chest. Could there be a more ambiguous symbol? A fiery beacon in the night sky would be much better. No mistaking that message. Clear. Affirming. Definitive.

    Clouds obscured things. They blocked out the sun and made everything gloomy. She wouldn’t be able to see more than a foot in front of her with that in her path.

    Walk by faith, not by sight.

    The verse popped into her mind, halting her mental tirade. Maybe God was speaking

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