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harvest to know if I could afford to buy out my half of the homestead and get a farm of my own.”
    He sighed.   “I thought Beth…understood there’s never been anybody else for me but her.   That’s why I didn’t send away for a bride, too, when Clae wrote to Reverend Kelly last year.   I though she knew that.
    “But then, she started avoiding me, and she wouldn’t speak to me much, and…I didn’t know what to do.   But the harvest was good – real good – and Clae and I talked it over, and I came to see Mr Kelley today at the bank, and Clae was going to talk to you tonight…and then Mr Kelley asked if I’d take Miss Kelley out to the store, as I had some time to spare….”   He groaned.
    It all suddenly made sense to Josie.   She squeezed Harland’s shoulder comfortingly.   “I’m sorry I spoke to you that way.   That was rude, and…callous of me, and it wasn’t my place.”
    He reached for her hand and squeezed her fingers.   “I accept your apology, but I’m sorta glad you said it,” was his only comment before lapsing into silence for some time.
    “Is it too late?” he finally asked.   His voice was calm, ready now to accept the worst.
    “You should have said something much, much sooner.   Told her what you were planning.   She’s a smart woman, you know.”
    “I know.”
    “She wouldn’t have minded waiting if only she’d known there was a reason why.   Keeping her out of your planning is not a good way to start your marriage.”
    He nodded, accepting the reproof.
    “Do I think you’ve hurt her?” Josie continued.   “Yes.   But do I think you’ve lost her?   No.”
    Harland let out a huge breath.   “You think there’s a chance she’ll still have me, then?”
    “Yes, I do, if you call on her tomorrow morning, early, and do some of that fast talking that I know you’re good at.   But it wouldn’t hurt to take one of May-Belle’s kittens with you, just in case you need a penance offering – they’re weaned now.”
    Harland laughed hesitantly.   “A fool’s offering,” he said.
    “Well, I’m sure you’re not the only man who’s had to give one of those.”



CHAPTER SEVEN

The Lord's Provision

    J OSIE AND H ARLAND were half-frozen by the time they reached home, but Clae had a good fire going in stove.   Clae immediately wanted to talk, but he had to wait for them to thaw out a little first.
    After recounting all the day’s joys and trials, Harland summed up the options for Clae and Josie.   He could sell his half of the existing homestead to Clae and take a loan to buy another, existing farm.   This had been his original plan, but Clae did not like the idea of them both borrowing so much money, and Harland could see the wisdom in that.   Secondly, he could buy a farm with a loan, and Clae and Josie could pay him over time for his share in theirs.   Thirdly, he could stake a new claim, which would mean starting from scratch on an unbroken piece of land, probably some distance away.   It would also mean having to improve the land for another five years, which he was reluctant to do for a second time, but willing enough if it came to it.
    They discussed the matter for some time, but none of the options seemed quite satisfactory.   After praying together, they decided to wait on the Lord’s answer, and in the meantime, Harland would discuss it with Beth – if she agreed to his proposal, of course.

    Harland barely slept.   Each time they woke up, Clae and Josie heard him pacing in his room.   He set out as early as possible in the morning.   Josie thought that the Dreschers would be awfully surprised when he came charging into their house while they were still at breakfast, but she made no comment.
    To pass the anxious time while they awaited his return, Clae and Josie did all the necessary chores, and a few unnecessary ones, as well.   They were tidying the kitchen garden when they were hailed by Thomas Niedham, the owner of the adjoining