A Dream Rides By by Tania Anne Crosse

scattered a silvery dust over the frozen earth.
    ‘Good night, Ling.’
    Barney’s voice was husky as he brought his lips softly against hers in a lingering kiss that tumbled down her spine. Her eyes rested on his face as he drew away, and then he was waving at her as he hurried down the path.
    Back inside, Fanny had gone up to bed, and Arthur and Mary followed shortly afterwards. Ling sat for a while, contemplating the glowing embers in the range, the door of which she had opened to allow its warmth to reach into the room. She languidly picked up the little tome of verse and, by the flickering light of the last red festive candle, feasted on two more poems, the inspiring, spiritual images lifting her soul to sublime heights.
    She sat back with a rueful sigh. There was something more out there, something great and elusive that she had the passion but not the means to attain. It had been a pleasant Christmas Day, another year of her life ticked off the list.
    It would have been nice if she had received a card from Elliott Franfield. He knew where to send one, but he had chosen not to. He had probably never even thought of her, and never would.

Ten
    ‘Well, since you ask, Barney lad, I won’t answer you with a lie.’ Mr Warren frowned at the apprentice over the top of his spectacles since he had not expected a question in his role of preacher. ‘Provided they have their parents’ consent, a lad can marry at fourteen and a cheel at twelve, although she cannot have physical relations until she is thirteen. That is the law. However—’ and here he abruptly got to his feet, his fingers taking a tight hold on his coat lapels as if to emphasize his disapproval – ‘there are those who exploit the law for their own despicable purposes, while people like Mr and Mrs Warrington are campaigning to have the Age of Consent raised to sixteen. In the meantime, all decent, God-fearing preachers try to discourage marriage under that age. If, as I assume, your intentions are to be made known to Arthur Southcott regarding his elder daughter, I should advise you to wait until her birthday, even if it is not legally necessary.’
    Barney had been listening intently and now he nodded wisely. ‘Thank you, Mr Warren, sir. ’Tis good advice.’
    ‘Mr Southcott may not give his consent, of course. Or he may want you to wait until you have completed your apprenticeship and can afford to rent one of the empty cottages.’
    ‘Well, I’m hoping us can live wi’ Ling’s parents for a while, until I’m established.’ And, seeing the misgiving that clouded Mr Warren’s face, Barney went on earnestly, ‘I’ll really work hard for her; I love her that much.’
    ‘I’m sure you will. But, remember, love doesn’t put food on your plate.’
    ‘No, I realize that, Mr Warren.’
    ‘Well, think on what I’ve said, lad.’
    ‘I will. And thank you again for your help.’
    Mr Warren resumed his seat, his lips pursed against his joined forefingers. A good fellow was Barney Mayhew, and it was clear he was passionately in love with Ling Southcott. And who could wonder at it? A lovely girl she was. And Barney was solid and reliable. But would that be enough for
her
?
    The preacher sat back in his chair with a sigh. Only time would tell.
    ‘Good afternoon, children.’
    ‘Good arternoon, Miss Southcott.’
    With a flurry of release, the band of children, including Fanny, escaped out into the May sunshine. Ling watched them leave, shaking her head with a half-amused, half-exasperated smile. A quiet excitement was brewing inside her as not only was it the first truly warm day that year, but she had also another reason to celebrate.
    ‘Off you go, then, Ling. You go and enjoy your birthday. I’ll finish up here.’
    ‘Thank you, Mr Norrish.’ And, as she failed to suppress the skip in her step, the straw hat she had clamped on her bouncing curls sprang off again. She retrieved it from the floor but could not be bothered to try fixing it to