Across this great nation, women gather in rallies to spread the word—not about our plight but about our opportunity to progress as women. While I cannot be with my Missoula sisters as they meet in the town square this week, I would like to offer my thanks. Ladies, you have rallied around me as I have borne this illness. You have been my hands, my feet, and my voice. For that, I am eternally grateful. May God grant my darling Sleigh Belles the best possible day as they chime their way through town, proclaiming the message that our time has come at last.

—Ellie Cannady, editor of The Modern Suffragette

* * * * *

THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY ALANNA WAITED for Tanner to pick her up in his car for the rally. She had no desire to participate in the event, naturally, but planned to watch from inside the car as the girls jingled their way through town. Mama and Margaret decided to join them as soon as they saw that Mrs. Jacobs had come along for the ride.

Having most of the gang in attendance made Alanna feel a little better about things, though she secretly longed to have some private time with Tanner. Her feelings for him left her feeling strangely unsettled—but in a good way. With each passing day she fought to press them down, reminding herself that she would be leaving Montana at the onset of spring. Still, they would not be squelched. She might as well enjoy them while the opportunity presented itself. Soon enough she would be back in Savannah, away from his teasing and flirting.

With Tanner’s assistance, Alanna made her way across the snowy lawn, shivering all the way. With temperatures well below freezing, her back and legs felt stiff. Even walking proved to be a challenge with every joint locked up tight. She finally made it to the vehicle, and Tanner opened the passenger door in the front like a gentleman.

“Mama, don’t you want to sit in front?” Alanna asked. Being in back often made her mother feel squeamish.

“Not at all.” Her mother chuckled. “Haven’t had a bout of carsickness since arriving in Montana. I’m in fine working order.”

“Interesting.” Alanna suspected that Mama’s matchmaking skills were in fine working order, as well, but did not mention it. She wouldn’t dare. Instead, she climbed aboard and prayed that her shivering would eventually cease.

As Tanner eased the car out onto the road, Alanna pulled her coat a bit closer.

“Here, use this.” He passed a colorful hand-stitched quilt her way. “Brought it just in case.”

“T–thank you.” Her teeth chattered for a minute or two until the quilt brought the necessary warmth. After a couple minutes of listening to the ladies converse merrily in the backseat, she turned to speak to Tanner privately, lowering her voice so as not to be heard. “I’m stunned Katie talked you into going to the rally, to be quite honest.”

He winced. “Well, I really had no choice. Mama needed me to drive. Pa has a calf coming at home.” He looked Alanna’s way and offered a weak smile. “Besides, I had to come to make sure my little sister doesn’t bring shame to the family name.”

“Ironic. That’s exactly why I’m going.” Alanna chuckled. “My sister has been more zealous than usual, of late. To be honest, I’ve been praying for a snowstorm to sweep in and bring the event to a halt.”

“Same here.” He gave her an admiring look. “We really are on the same team, aren’t we?”

“Yes, though I’m not sure the Almighty has responded to our pleas.” She pointed to the clear skies above. “I had rather hoped He would come through with a blizzard.”

“Perhaps there’s a greater plan at work.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Maybe the Lord wants to show us something through the rally.”

Alanna could hardly believe his words. “Please don’t tell me you’re being won over by these foolish girls.”

“Most assuredly not.” A boyish grin turned up the corners of his mouth. “To be honest, it’s just my pride at work. I can’t wait to hear all the bells ringing at once.”

“He worked so hard on those,” Mrs. Jacobs piped up from the backseat. “No doubt he wants to hear them in all their glory.”

A nod from Tanner followed. “Figured they’d put us in the mood for Christmas. It’s only a few weeks away, you know.”

“Oh, trust me when I say that Tessa hasn’t let me forget.” Alanna laughed. “She’s given me her list, and I’ve checked it twice. Though I can honestly say she’s been more naughty than nice, especially since we arrived in Montana.”

Mama feigned offense at this statement but, in the end, agreed. “She has been a bit on the feisty side since we got here.”

Feisty, indeed.

“Speaking of Tessa…” Mama’s voice trailed. “I really must look at buying her some new dresses for Christmas. I can’t help but notice how she’s slimming down.”

Alanna nodded. “Yes, I’ve noticed that her clothes are getting too big for her.”

Mama grinned. “I haven’t wanted to mention it for fear of drawing attention to the situation, but she has most assuredly dropped a few pounds since we arrived in Montana.”

“Not from poor eating, I hope.” Mrs. Jacobs chuckled. “I dare-say we’ve cooked up a storm.”

“Definitely not from the food. Though, I must say, the way Margaret cooks is healthier, for sure.”

“Back in Savannah we deep-fry so many of our meats,” Alanna chimed in. “Funny that I’ve only eaten chicken battered and fried until now. The way Margaret prepares it is delicious.”

“And all those fresh vegetables from her garden are wonderful too,” Mama added. “I’m just amazed at her green thumb. We never bothered with a garden back home. Makes me want to try.”

“I’m so glad, Mama.” Alanna smiled, thinking about the changes in both her sister and her mother since arriving in Montana.

“I find that I enjoy physical labor,” Mama said. “I think Tessa does too. She and Katie are always off doing something together—and they often walk to get there.”

Alanna paused to think it through. “Yes, and Tessa has been working hard on the ranch, as well. Brett told me that she offered to help him brand the cattle.”

“She did what?” Mama’s eyes widened.

“She helped with the branding. Brett told me all about it. She worked really hard, Mama. Rounding up the cattle and keeping them steady during the branding is quite a process. Brett said she handled it well.”

In spite of the cold, Mama took to fanning herself. “My little Tessa, branding cattle! Can you guess what the other girls at the finishing school would say if they knew?” A few seconds later, Mama’s laughter filled the vehicle. “Oh, how I wish I’d been there. I’ll bet that little girl of mine was quite a sight to see.”

“No doubt.” Alanna could only imagine.

They arrived in town minutes later, and she found herself mesmerized by the size of the crowd that had already gathered in the town square. Tanner pulled the car up in front of a local art gallery and checked his watch. “Looks like they’ll be starting any minute now. We made it just in time.”

“I don’t know what those girls were thinking, planning this on such a cold day.” Mrs. Jacobs shook her head. “But that’s Katie for you. She’s always had an impulsive streak.”

“Looks like our daughters have a lot in common, then,” Mama said.

Alanna turned around to give her a pensive look. “Not all your daughters, Mama. I’m not the least bit impulsive.”

“That’s true. You’re as solid as a rock, Alanna. Never wavering.”

Something about the way she said “solid as a rock” felt a bit more like an insult than a compliment, but Alanna chose not to react. Instead, she turned her gaze to the street, wondering when her impulsive sister would parade across town in a bell-ladened sleigh for all to see. And hear.

Tanner cracked the window, and a couple of minutes later the peal of bells rang out, along with voices raised in song, off in the distance. A familiar song, no less. “‘Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!’”

For a moment, Alanna almost joined in. Almost. Then she put the pieces together in her head. “They’ve turned ‘Jingle Bells’ into their theme song?”

Tanner slapped himself in the head. “Figures. What will they come up with next?”

The women’s voices rang out louder as they drew closer. “‘Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh!’”

“Well, it is almost Christmas.” Mama said from the backseat. “I think they’re being resourceful. And it is a perfect match for the Sleigh Belles theme, you must admit.”

“Really? You agree with them, Mama?” Alanna strained to see past the crowd in front of the car, wondering when the sleighs would appear.

“Honey, please don’t misunderstand,” her mother said. “I don’t believe in going against what the Bible says about men and women. I certainly think some folks carry things too far. But I think a dose of women’s suffrage is probably a good thing. A little goes a long, long way.”

“Do you hear those bells?” Mrs. Jacobs asked. “They’re so festive! Feels like Christmas already.” She reached up to give Tanner a pat on the shoulder. “You did a fine job, son.”

“Thank you, Mama.”

Alanna hardly had time to think about things. The bells continued to peal and the suffragettes approached, singing their hearts out. “‘Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!’”

As the jingling sleighs came into view, loaded with the boisterous Sleigh Belles, the song rang out louder than ever. Tanner’s laughter rang out, as well, and all the more as the girls passed by and waved.

“What is it, son?” his mother asked as they disappeared from view, the sound of the petal bells resounding as they went. “Why are you laughing?”

“Oh, just thinking about what they’re singing. Hope they don’t send the wrong message to folks.”

“That has always been my concern.” Alanna pulled the quilt up over her shoulders to counteract the cold drifting in from the cracked window. Once again her joints felt stiff and sore. Would she ever adapt to this frigid environment?

“Yes, only this time I’m worried they’re going to make people think they’re a bunch of ding-dongs.” Tanner grinned. “That’s just what they’re going to look like, parading through town with those bells clanging like that. No telling what sort of write-up this is going to get in the paper.”

“Oh, I’ve heard all about it from Katie, trust me,” Mrs. Jacobs said. “She’s convinced that Ellie will do a counter piece in The Modern Suffragette, so I doubt the women will pay much mind to whatever turns up in the newspaper. They rarely do.” Her brow wrinkled. “Though I do wonder how Ellie can write anything at all right now, to be honest. I heard from the doctor myself that she’s not expected to hold on much longer. She’s been very ill, you know.”

“Yes, I heard.” Alanna shook her head. “I wonder what the rest of the girls will do if they lose their good friend.”

“I’m sure it will take the wind out of their sails a bit,” Mrs. Jacobs said. “Or, I should say, it will take the ring out of their bells.” This, of course, brought a chuckle from everyone in the vehicle, even Tanner, who looked more relaxed than he had in days.

Alanna glanced down the street, mesmerized by the crowd. “I never expected to see this many people. Did you?”

Tanner shook his head. “Nope.”

“At least the merchants will be happy,” Margaret said. “The shops in town have been so empty of late. This demonstration has brought a lot more folks to town in the middle of winter.”

“Well, then, we will have to do a bit of shopping when the rally ends,” Mama said. “I’m always looking for an excuse to shop.”

“Should we get out of the car and go to the town square so that we can hear our congresswoman’s speech?” Mrs. Jacobs asked.

“I have no interest in hearing that woman speak,” Tanner said. “I thought perhaps Alanna and I could use the opportunity to do a bit of window-shopping.” He turned to face her. “If you would like that.”

“Very much.” She offered him a warm smile, which turned out to be the last warm thing available. Once they stepped outside of the car the shivering began. Chivalrously, he slipped his arm around her shoulder and braced her from the wind.

“This is what a Southern gentleman would do. True?” he asked.

Her teeth chattered as she responded. “I have n–no i–idea. In S–S–Savannah it never gets this c–c–cold!”

“Well, let’s pretend, then.”

After their mothers headed off to hear Jeanette Rankin’s speech, Tanner pointed Alanna in the direction of the department store. “Are you in the mood to shop?”

“Always.”

A few steps down the sidewalk, Alanna found herself enjoying Tanner’s closeness. Still, one thing bothered her, and she’d best address it so that it could be corrected quickly. Pausing, she turned to face him. “Tanner, you should trade places with me.”

“Beg pardon?”

“Trade places. You should walk on the street side of the sidewalk.”

He stopped altogether and gave her a pensive look. “I’m walking wrong?”

“Well, not wrong, exactly. Perhaps here in Montana a fella can walk on the side closest to the buildings, but it’s a common courtesy—one all gentlemen in the South understand—that a woman is at less risk when she’s on the inside, not the street side.”

Tanner let out a whistle then slapped himself in the head. “Is there some sort of rule book with all this written down? I’m never going to remember it all.” He slipped into the spot on the street side with a sour look on his face.

“Sure you will.” She took his proffered arm and gave him a comforting smile.

“Well, boy howdy, a fella could get fouled up in a hurry if he mixes the rules. What if I accidentally walk on my hands and not my feet? Then what?”

Alanna giggled and leaned in close to enjoy the warmth of his nearness. “You’re just being silly now.”

“Is silly allowed? I daresay I could get kicked out of genteel society if I let my silliness get in the way.”

“Likely.”

They took a few more steps and then he paused to gaze up at the sky overhead. She squinted and looked up as well, trying to figure out what fascinated him so.

“High, wide, and handsome,” he whispered.

“Beg your pardon?”

He glanced her way with a smile. “Oh, that’s what folks call Montana. High, wide, and handsome. Kind of like me.” He grinned. “Only, I’m not wide.”

“Hardly.”

His brow wrinkled. “Do you think I’m too thin? Katie is always trying to put pounds on me.”

“No, I wouldn’t say you’re thin.” Alanna scrutinized him. “I’d say you’re just about right.” She clamped a hand over her mouth, her face now blazing.

“Well, thank you.” He grinned. “It’s been a long time since anyone has flattered me in such a way. I accept your compliment.”

“We…well, we should go shopping.”

Alanna turned toward the department store but stopped when she found herself within kissing distance of Tanner. His brows arched and a mischievous look came over him. Her heart began to race, and she found it difficult to keep her breathing steady.

They continued to gaze into each other’s eyes. She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and give him a kiss square on the mouth.

Her cheeks heated up at the very idea. They provided an interesting contrast to the rest of her body, which, by now, felt like a frozen block of ice.

Still, Tanner must be thinking the same thing, judging from the twinkle in his eyes. Instead, he marched to the door of the store, swung it wide, and led the way inside. This gave her heart time to slow to its usual pace. Oh, but how she wanted to stand close to him, to feel that peculiar sensation in her stomach and heart all over again.

Stay focused, Alanna.

She browsed the store but didn’t find much of interest until she came upon several tiny sculpted bears that lined one of the shelves. “Ohh, I have to buy one of these.” Picking one up, she examined it with a keen eye. “I just love artwork.”

“Do you now? Well, there’s a gallery nearby. Want to take a look?”

“As soon as I pay for this little fella.” She visited with the clerk as she paid for her little treasure and even answered a few of his questions about her supposed accent. Strange, how people in Montana thought she talked funny. Stranger still because they all did but didn’t seem to realize it.

After purchasing the little bear, Alanna and Tanner continued their trek down Main Street, enjoying an easy conversation. She couldn’t recall feeling this comfortable around a fella in a long time, but she did her best to guard her heart. No point in thinking about the impossible, after all. Still, as he slipped his arm around her shoulders to keep her warm, Alanna couldn’t help but grow in her respect for him. He did have a gentlemanly way about him.

She paused as they came upon a store window with a magnificent oil painting in the window. “Oh my goodness. Is this the art gallery you were talking about?”

He nodded. “Yep. One of my favorites.”

She stopped, nearly losing her breath as she gazed upon the vivid colors in the painting. Everything about it felt familiar, from the brushstrokes to the vivid colors. It reminded her for all the world of the painting in Papa’s study.

“Has to be,” she whispered.

“What is it?” Tanner asked. “What has you so mesmerized?”

“This painting. I’ve seen a marvelous piece by this artist before. I’m sure of it.”

“Oh?” He leaned forward and put his nose close to the glass to give it another look.

“Yes. I know you’re not going to believe it, but there’s a painting in my father’s office that resembles this one in nearly every respect. Margaret sent it to us last Christmas.”

He nodded. “Yes, well, this artist has garnered some acclaim in this area.”

“I can see why. The colors are vibrant and lifelike. And he’s captured the brilliant features of the flowers with such majestic colors. The brushstrokes are heavier than most, which I really like. You can see the texture of the oils. It’s magnificent.”

“You think?”

“Yes.” She paused. “This might sound odd, but the painting in my papa’s office reminds me of…well…you.”

“Me?” Tanner’s right brow elevated. “You have a painting that looks like me?”

“Yes. Funny, isn’t it? As soon as Mama and Tessa and I saw you—in person, I mean—we felt as if we’d already met you because of the painting. It took us a moment to realize that you just resembled the cowboy in the painting.” Alanna laughed. “But then again, I suppose all cowboys would look alike to me. In Georgia we don’t see a lot of them.”

“No cowboys in Savannah, eh?” He chuckled.

“Hardly. When we refer to men in hats, we’re talking about bowlers, not Stetsons. And the idea of a fella in Savannah showing up at a social event with a gun strapped to his side is laughable.”

“I see.”

She gazed at the painting in front of her. “There’s something about this one that seems familiar. Such beautiful countryside.”

“It’s the Bitterroot mountain range in the spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom. You should see it in the springtime.” As always, when Tanner spoke about Montana, she could sense the zeal behind his words. He really loved his home. No doubt about that.

“I feel like I already have seen it in the springtime just by looking at this painting. This is lovely. So pretty, in fact, that I might just have to talk Mama into buying it and taking it home as a gift for Papa. Or maybe I could purchase it myself so that I have a lasting memory of my time in Montana.”

At this, she sighed and gazed into Tanner’s eyes, the weight of her words bringing an unexpected sadness. For, while she had once dreaded coming to Montana, she now dreaded leaving. And no painting—even one this beautiful—could fill the empty spot in her heart whenever she thought about it.

* * * * *

AS ALANNA SPOKE THE WORDS “lasting memory of Montana,” Tanner’s heart lurched. In just a few months, the beautiful woman on his arm would be gone, back to Savannah. Sure, she would carry with her a painting with vivid reminders of her time here—a painting he’d spent weeks perfecting, no less—but that would never be enough to satisfy him. Not when his heart desperately ached for more.