Morning light streamed through the windows and Grey rose quickly to begin the days chores still heavy hearted and unsure of what she would do. She cooked breakfast for her uncle he ate little and said nothing. Once he was gone to work in his store she cleaned the kitchen . Did a quick Inventory of the food in the house Sandwiches would do if her uncle came home for lunch. She collected the Laundry and bed linens and went outside to set up the washing pail. The Sun was shining and she soon became warm with the excertion of her efforts. Once the laundry was washed and rinsed she hung it on the bushes and fence to dry. Then she went to the barn, feeding the chickens and collecting eggs, She heard the jingle of horse harness and walked out of the barn. It Was Ada. Hello Grey have i interrupted your chores? I was just collecting the eggs we have more than enough would you like to to take some home? Well maybe a few but you know you can always sell the extra's in town. The two women headed to the house How bout some lemonaid Ada I am hot and thristy. Both of the women were pale with shadows beneath there eyes I guess neither of us got much sleep last night, Not much Grey agreed but it will get better Aunt Lilly would switch us both if we did not get on with it, well she wouldn't spank us but she would get that worried look and frown if we did not cheer up. It seems a tall order thought Grey. Ada straightened her spine I promised Pa i would clear ma's things out of the bedroom, He wants it all gone clothes books, nick nacks So I best get to it I have a trunk i can use anything you specially want? Grey thought for a moment. If know one wants it I would like a Hanky and maybe a small vase just some little rememberance.



Do you want me to help you Ada? No Grey It will be easier if i just do this but thank you Maybe some tea afterwords. Ada went into her mother and fathers room the bed had been striped but all her mother's things were on her bedside table. Her bible her books a small skein of wool waiting to be knitted, Tears welled in Ada's eyes " Oh ma I miss you so already" Once these few things were in the trunk then she quickly added the undergarments from the chesterdrawers then the Dresses in the wardrobe. She closed the trunk so few things for a life that was so well lived.

As Ada walked into the kitchen Grey poured the hot water over the tea waiting for it to steep. Her cousins weepy eyes told the story of how hard it was to rid the room of her mother few things that had made the room warm and cozy. Here Have some tea. They sat together for a bit sipping tea lost in their own thoughts of the woman who had loved and cared for them both. Ada I have decided to see if Mr Davis responds to Aunt Lilly's letter and if he ask me i am gonna go west to meet him. If not I will see if you Pa would let me work at the store and stay in the back room. Oh Grey are you sure really you could come stay with me and Bobby, No Ada I am sure I will miss you and Uncle Ottis but it is so hard being here now I can only hope that I will hear something soon .

Chance Davis had been having some sleepless nights himself, He was a hardworking man no doubt and he did not lack physical courage but one thing that could set his teeth on edge was his Mama she had it in her head that it was past time for her son to marry the other boys had and Chance needed to fall in line so she started talking to all her lady friends trotting out daughters, neices why there were giggly girls all over the place it seemed. This had at first been slightly funny but when he realized his ma wasn't joking he got plum ornery . Clara Davis was strong willed and stubborn and she fiqured in time her son would give in a pick a bride.

Chance had read all of Miss Lilly's letters the woman had been fairly regular in her correspondence to him the letters had stopped and he wondered had she lost the battle with her failing heart. What would happen to the girl named Grey. He wasn't sure why he cared . He had never seen her she wasn't his problem. Still that nagging feeling was with him. So he decided he would write the girl If she responded he would deal with his mama. He wasn't sure that she would even respond.


Dear Miss Hollister.
Your Aunt Lilly had been writing me hoping that at some time we might be introduced and joined in marriage. She had shared with me that her health was failing and that she felt her time on this earth was soon to be concluded Since it has been awhile since i have heard from her I can only believe that either she has passed away or that she had told you of her plans and you have rejected them . If you are interested in a New start I am prepared to offer you a home with me. Your Aunt said you are a hard worker useful and sturdy, Those are mighty good qualities to have out here.

I feel it is only fair that i tell you about myself. I have never been married, I have a small place with cattle, horses my home is small but neat it is not a fancy place. should you wish to join me i can send you a train ticket. My parents are both living and you would stay at there place until we met and married or we could stop at the preachers straight away. I look forward to hearing from you. I hope this letter finds your Aunt is better.
Chance Davis



Grey Hollister Read her letter again. Here was her answer she could accept this offer and go to a place far away from her cousin and uncle and the rest of her kin. She could stay and move into the back room at her uncle's store Staying at the house was almost unbareable, She continued to do her chores and her Aunts Chores but her Uncle was deep in his grief for his wife and while he would try to talk most evennings he sat outside lost in thoughts or in his barn. The next morning Ada came by on her way to town. Looking pale and a little green around the gills Grey was concerned for her cousin. I think everything is fine I am almost sure that it is. I will stop back by when i have got my shopping done . Are you needing anything? No can't think of a thing see you when you come back by. Grey had just finished churning the cream into butter. when she heard Ada's wagon pull up. Her Cousin still looked pale but no longer green around the gills as before, I can't stop Grey I have to get home I have to talk to bobby a blush crept on ada's cheeks we have plans to make. Grey could not help but think how excited her Aunt would have been another Grandchild to add to the brood. She smiled and Waved you head home and we will talk another day.

That night over supper Grey decided to ask her Uncle his advice it would be a hard conversation to get the man to talk but he was a good man with sound judgement. Uncle Ottis I have to make a decison and I just am not sure what i should do which way to go. How do you know you are making the right decison, I usually chew on it awhile, the older man grunted and usually aftersome thought i make my mind up and get to work.

Uncle Ottis what would you do for help out here if i moved away? You mean if you answered the letter from the Davis fella? I have thought about that and you know the Allen family ? Well since they have been having some hard times I have been giving them a little credit at the store and as it turns out. Ms Allen said Kitty and Callie could come out after Schcool and do the chores and such it would help me and them too.


Grey sat at her Aunt's desk and after a bit she began to write. Mr. Davis, I would be agreeable to join you and as to marriage I being a Good and useful sort of gal would just as soon go to preacher upon my arrival i seek a new situation for myself . I await your reply.

Chance was surprized at the brevity of Grey's letter but pleased that she would marry with out all the fuss and feathers and now he would be able to inform his ma that the parade of eligible ladies could stop. That in it's self was worth the train ticket.


Uncle Ottis had insisted that he send some of her Aunt's Chicken's with Grey on the train the crate was safely stowed in the baggage car. The older man's eyes were misting up and his voice was tight, Remember Grey you have Lilly's blood running through you veins you have her courage. You make sure and Bring Mr. Davis for a visit when you can. With a hard hug. The conductor called all aboard. Grey Hollister boarded the Train and Headed west to a Man she had never met with her few possesions and a clutch of her dead Aunt's laying hens.