Free The Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey

near the horizon. “Was there a fire? See how black the grass is.”
    “All that mapping has weakened your eyes. Those are buffalo.” Franklin’s horse snorted and sidestepped when he halted the animal to study the herd. “Hundreds.”
    Ward slowed as the herd came closer. Fascinated, he watched the dark mass separate into a wall of shaggy beasts. Huge and broad-shouldered, the animals rumbled in his direction, flattening grass and raising clouds of dust.
    One more reason to keep railroads off the prairie.

    Luellen entered the foyer of the Ladies Hall and checked the mail rack suspended next to the entry bench. A letter from Papa! She tucked her parcel and the letter under one arm and hurried up the stairs to her room, shoving her key in the lock.
    “Miss McGarvie.” Matron Bledsoe puffed up to the landing. A dumpling of a woman, her round cheeks were pink from exertion. “A word with you, please.”
    Shoulders slumped, Luellen turned the key and opened the door. She yearned to rip open Papa’s letter and read the news from home. Dealing with Mrs. Bledsoe’s fluttery reprimands was the last thing she welcomed, now or at any time. “Come in. I just arrived from town, so I’m afraid my room may be a bit cluttered.”
    “That is exactly what I wish to speak to you about.”
    “My cluttered room?”
    Mrs. Bledsoe splayed her fingers across her chest and sucked in gasps of air. “No. Your unchaperoned trips to town.” She dropped into a chair.
    Luellen placed her paper-wrapped parcel and Papa’s letter on the table. She remained standing. “I needed to visit the bookstore. They had a zoology text that Allenwood’s library lacked.” She hung her bonnet and shawl on a peg. “Why would I need a chaperone to visit a bookstore?”
    “My dear, anything could happen to you.” Her several chins wobbled. “In the absence of your parents, I am responsible for you girls. We can’t allow questionable activities. I’ve spoken to you in the past regarding your behavior. Any more infractions and I’m afraid I’ll have no choice but to speak to Dr. Alexander.”
    Luellen pinned her with a look. “I’m an independent woman, Matron Bledsoe. I earned a living before coming here, and needed no one’s help to pay my way. By my standards, that sets me beyond the seventeen- and eighteen-year-olds who arrive straight from the bosom of their families. If I ever give you cause for suspicion, you’ll have every right to report me. But in the meantime, please allow me the same freedom you enjoy.”
    “Well!” The matron plucked a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes. “I’m only looking out for your reputation, and this is the thanks I get.” She sniffled.
    Lord have mercy! Luellen softened her tone. “I apologize. My words were too sharp. I’ve had a trying day, but I shouldn’t take my frustrations out on you.” She slid open the top drawer of the chest and removed a bag of peppermints Belle had shared with her. “Would you care for a sweet?”
    “Why, thank you, dear. I would.” Mrs. Bledsoe tucked a mint into her cheek and palmed two more, which she dropped into the pocket of her flowered calico skirt. She stood and patted Luellen’s arm. “I enjoyed our little talk. Feel free to come to me anytime.”
    Luellen closed the door behind her and leaned against the solid wood. Five weeks under Mrs. Bledsoe’s watchful eye already felt like months. Somehow when she’d dreamed of an education, she hadn’t taken the Mrs. Bledsoes of the world into account.
    “Luellen?” Belle’s voice carried through the door. “Are you receiving guests?”
    Chuckling, Luellen stepped aside. “Why yes, do come in.” She hugged Belle when she entered the room.
    Belle walked to the table and took a peppermint. “Matron waddled past me down the stairs just now. What did she want this time?”
    “I went to town without a chaperone again.” Luellen lifted the parcel from the table and removed the string and