Ruby (Dakotah Treasures #1) - Softcover

Lauraine Snelling

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764222228 ISBN 13: 9780764222221

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers, 2003

Synopsis

A New Dakotah Territory Saga From Bestselling Author Lauraine Snelling!

Book 1 of Dakotah Treasures. Author Lauraine Snelling once again takes readers west to the untamed land of Dakota Territory, introducing new characters both unique and appealing. Ruby Torvald and her young sister, Opal, have received an inheritance from their long-lost father who left home years ago to seek his fortune in the Black Hills. When they leave their comfortable situation in Chicago and arrive at the mining town of Medora to claim their inheritance, the sisters discover that rather than the legacy of gold they expected, their father has left them a shocking bequest. Ruby's bold determination in the face of scandal leads the reader on a journey both heartwarming and inspiring.

About this title

About the Author

Lauraine Snelling is an award-winning author of over 30 books, both fiction and non fiction for adults and young adults. She has two horse series for young teen girls, the GOLDEN FILLY SERIES and HIGH HURDLES. Lauraine is also the author of the popular RED RIVER OF THE NORTH and RETURN TO RED RIVER series set in North Dakota in the past part of the 19th century.

Besides writing both books and articles, Lauraine teaches at writer's conferences across the country and has an active speaking career. She and husband Wayne have two grown sons, four grand dogs and live in the country where Lauraine can garden, sew, do crafts, cross stitch, enjoy her birds and eventually have a horse again.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

My dearest daughters,

I must beg your forgiveness for the long time between letters. I am sure you must have thought I passed on from this world, but life here in the west has been a myriad of experiences and not all of them good. I attempted gold mining with some small success and finally parlayed that into something that I can pass on to you, my two treasures. While I had hoped to be able to send for you before now, the sad news is that I am dying. We now have train service here to Medora so I have enclosed two tickets for the two of you to come here to claim your inheritance. God willing, if you come quickly, I will have a chance to see your sweet faces before I pass on into the next life where I know your mother is waiting for me, I hope with open arms. I know I have no right to ask this, but please come soon to Dove House in Little Missouri, which is near the military cantonment, directly across the river from Medora.

Your father, who has always loved you, Per Torvald.

Ruby read the letter again, fighting the tears that blurred the spidery script. Why did he wait so long? God, what am I going to do? She closed her eyes, willing an answer to scream down from the ceiling or burst through the panes of the mullioned windows. She strained to hear, willing sound to ring in her ears.

Nothing. She could hear Bernie jabbering to Nanny as she bathed him. Water was running in the girls' bathroom. A giggle came from Alicia's room. Most likely Opal was helping them dress. But nothing sounded that could be construed as an answer to her plea.

She opened her eyes to see the two train tickets standing at attention in her hand. Had they been soldiers they would have saluted.

Ruby sucked in a breath that flew to her extremities and brought a warmth to her face that she knew to be a blush. Lord, all I ask is that you get us there to see him before he dies.

* * *

The family gathered in the parlor in the morning to say goodbye. The girls were crying and that set Bernie to howling. Jason maintained the sober mien of his father, his eyes shimmering with tears he refused to shed.

Mr. Klaus hauled their trunk and boxes out to the carriage while everyone hugged Ruby or shook her hand. Mrs. Fleish handed her a sealed envelope, along with a wrapped box.

"One is your pay and the other something to remember us by." She dabbed at her nose with her handkerchief, at the same time patting Ruby's shoulder with her other hand. Cook handed her a basket and gave Opal a small box.

"For on the train. I hear food is terrible costly."

"We better be going, Miss Ruby." Klaus, hat in hand, stood in the doorway.

"Thank you all. We'll write and give you an address." Ruby put a hand on Opal's shoulder and nudged her toward the door before the tears she was fighting back burst forth.

"God bless," Mrs. Brandon, her hands on her daughter's shoulders, called one last time.

"Ja, God bless." Ruby let Mr. Klaus help her into the carriage to settle next to her sobbing sister.

"Hush now. All will be well." She said the words as much for herself as for Opal. Please God, all will be well.

Ruby fought the tears once more. How could they, who were so blessed to be with this family, possibly leave for such an uncertain future? But then again, how could they not?

About this edition

• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0764222228
• ISBN 13: 9780764222221
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320