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J ane descended the stairs of the Dailey homestead. Her heart fluttered, eager for Susan Dailey’s wisdom on matters of the heart.

Susan stood in the parlor as if expecting her. “Come in, dear,” Susan said warmly. “You said there’s something you need to talk about?”

“Please, take a seat,” Susan gestured to a cushioned rocking chair near the hearth. As Jane settled in, Susan sat across from her, eyes reflecting the dancing flames and years of experience.

“Courting is quite the endeavor, isn’t it?” Susan began.

Jane nodded nervously. “Oh it is! I find myself adrift in it all. I’ve never been courted before, and there are at least five men who are showing me special attention!”

“Don’t worry,” Susan replied with humor. “You’ve come to the right place. I’ve had my share of learning when it comes to matters of the heart.”

Susan leaned forward, shadows dancing on her face. “My journey to matrimony was a bumpy carriage ride. I answered an ad for a mail-order bride and set out with dreams of love.”

Jane’s eyes widened, heart racing at the thought.

“But instead,” Susan continued, “I found my betrothed had died, leaving his brother David, a widower with four boys, hoping I would agree to be their mother.”

Jane gasped. “You never wanted other children?”

“It’s not that. My younger siblings were wild.

Not Elizabeth, of course, but the others.

I was the oldest, and my younger brothers and sisters were dubbed the ‘Demon Horde’ by the townsfolk.

Elizabeth and I saved up and bought purple paint for our room, and while I was at work the following day, our brother and sister—twins who didn’t have the sense God gave a turnip—painted the cow purple.

They made sure to put down newspaper to not stain the barn floor, though.

It made no sense to me! I decided I didn’t want to have to parent another woman’s children, like I’d had to do so often with my brothers and sisters. ”

“I don’t think I would want to parent someone else’s children either.”

“Then you need to be careful not to let a widower court you,” Susan said, eyes warm but wise. “Life is unpredictable; listen to your heart when choosing a partner. Be true to yourself. Don’t settle. Marriage is long. Choose someone who makes you feel good about yourself.”

Jane absorbed each word, feeling empowered and realizing that choosing a suitor was up to her.

“It’s about honoring your heart, even in the face of expectations,” Susan said, her gaze steady. “This is your life and happiness at stake. Never marry a man that you don’t love.”

Jane shifted in her seat, clasping her hands together. The scent of freshly baked bread comforted her. “But how does one balance personal desires with practicalities? Like housing—”

“Are you worried we’ll make you leave?”

“Yes,” Jane admitted, her expression clouding. “I’m unsure how swiftly I need a suitor to provide a new home.”

“There is no deadline for finding a match,” Susan reassured her.

Jane clasped the teacup, seeking confirmation in Susan’s steady gaze as afternoon light warmed the parlor. “Uncertainty creeps upon me,” Jane confessed.

Setting down her cup, Susan reassured, “Your instincts are the compass given by Providence. Trust them as you would the northern star.” She leaned back, eyes reflecting years of wisdom. “Follow your heart, Jane.”

Jane ascended the creaking stairs, Susan’s advice strengthening her resolve. Her modest room was a sanctuary for reflection and growth.

Sitting at the small desk under the window, she wrote what had touched her the most as she’d spoken with Susan.

“Be true,” she wrote, “to thine own heart.”

As the dance approached, anticipation mingled with unease. Anthony Fennel would escort her, his easy-going nature promising an enjoyable night. He arrived at dusk with a grin that never seemed to leave his face.

“Evening, Jane,” he greeted playfully. “Ready for some dancing?”

“Always!” Jane replied with a smile.

At the social hall, lively tunes filled the air as they joined the townsfolk in a whirl of colors and laughter.

Jane and Anthony moved gracefully through the dances, his eyes filled with merriment.

As they danced, Jane realized she’d never seen the man frown, or even have a straight face.

He was always laughing and making her laugh.

“Never pegged you for a wallflower,” Anthony teased as they spun around.

“Nor did I imagine a telegraph operator to be such a nimble dancer,” she retorted lightheartedly.

The evening wore on with conversations and jokes shared between them. However, as the music faded, Jane felt a pang of disappointment. Their connection lacked romantic affection.

Skirts swirling, Jane joined Lucas Montgomery on the dance floor as the lively tune filled the hall. His gaze, both contemplative and sincere, held her attention.

“I feel like this is a perfect night for dancing,” Lucas remarked.

“If only I was lighter on my feet,” Jane replied.

“I’ve never danced with a woman who could follow my lead so well,” he countered. “This dance has been particularly enjoyable.”

Jane couldn’t help but smile at Lucas’s compliment. His thoughtful nature and genuine interest in their conversations made her feel at ease. As they moved together, the rest of the hall seemed to fade away.

“You know, I’ve always found dancing to be a metaphor for life,” Lucas mused as they twirled. “Two people, moving in harmony, navigating the ups and downs of the music.”

“I never thought of it that way,” Jane replied, intrigued by his perspective. “But I suppose you’re right. It’s about finding a partner who complements your own steps.”

Lucas nodded, his eyes holding a depth that drew her in. “Exactly. And sometimes, the most unexpected partnerships can create the most beautiful dance.”

As the song ended, Jane found herself reluctant to let go of his hand. There was something about Lucas that that truly intrigued her, but she knew there was another waiting for his turn with her.

Next, Samuel Parker led her through a dance. His sharp blue eyes scanned the room before focusing on her.

“Evenings like these remind me why we toil under the Texas sun,” Samuel observed.

“Without the toil, we wouldn’t appreciate the respite?” she ventured.

“It’s the contrast that makes life sweet,” he agreed.

As they moved across the dance floor, Jane found herself drawn to Samuel’s pragmatic outlook. His words resonated with her own experiences.

“I suppose it’s all about finding balance,” Jane mused. “Between the challenges and the joys, the work and the leisure.”

Samuel nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “And perhaps, finding someone to share that balance with.”

His words hung in the air between them, a subtle invitation that made Jane’s heart skip a beat. As the music swelled, she allowed herself to be swept up in the moment, savoring the feeling of Samuel’s strong arms guiding her through the steps.

When the dance ended, Jane found herself breathless, not just from the exertion, but from the emotions stirring within her. “Thank you so much for the dance. I enjoyed our conversation!” she said.

Finally, Henry Caldwell invited her for a dance. His sandy hair tousled and laughter infectious, he joked, “Careful now, Jane, I might step on your toes.”

“I’ll rely on your reputed charm for protection,” she said.

Each man brought a different energy to the dance, captivating Jane’s thoughts. Yet her mind wandered to Jack—full of life with dark eyes hinting at something profound.

As the evening waned, Anthony took her home in his buggy. As they drove, they told each other stories.

“The simple act of riding in a buggy feels like a grand adventure,” Jane said, laughter lingering. “When you’re raised in an orphanage, you’re thankful for wagon rides with all the boys and girls in the back of the wagon.”

“With the right company, even mundane journeys are delights,” Anthony responded.

“Thank you,” Jane expressed as they arrived at Susan and David’s house. “Tonight was wonderful.”

“Anytime,” he said, tipping his hat as his eyes crinkled with a smile. “I hope you’ll allow me to escort you again soon.”

“I would like that,” she said, though her feelings were mixed. She’d enjoyed the evening, but she hadn’t felt anything special for him other than as a friend.

Jane stepped down from the buggy and felt a breeze brush against her cheek.

In the quiet moments that followed, she reflected on her recent partners—Lucas’s insight, Samuel’s strength, Henry’s humor, and Jack’s mysterious intentions.

She trusted her heart to guide her in recognizing the one who was meant to be her husband.