Gertie Sands: Overcoming the Storm

Gertie Sands: Overcoming the Storm

Copyright 2019 B. Gage

Published by B. Gage

License Notes

All rights reserved. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the author. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This story is a work of fiction. With the exception of recognised historical figures, all characters and events are the product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Discover other titles in this collection by B.T. Gage:

Angie Webber: Leaving Mistysprings

Gertie Sands: Overcoming the Storm

Josey O’Bryan: Holding Fast the Promise

Cover design by GAGE deSIGNs.

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Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Final Words

About B. Gage

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Gertie Sands: Overcoming the Storm

Changing Seasons Collection

Book 2

B.T. Gage

Chapter One

The thud of the horse on the white, shimmery sand was so in sync with the steady beat of her own heart, they were like one—horse and rider, beautifully breaking through the stillness of the morning with every stride. For Gertrude, it was a liberating place that was powerful enough to drown out the noise of life and hold her safe in the moment. With a 'yah’ she urged the horse onward in a bid to reach the end of the beach before the quick rising sun.

Pulling her chestnut mare to a halt she gasped at the wonder of the scene before her. The dripping strands of light fell upon the glistening sea, highlighting the steady motion of the waves—an awe inspiring sight! Turning her horse around she gently led it into the shallows until the water was lapping around its four legs. Nothing like a nice, refreshing paddle in the sea. Am I right Drifter? She patted the neck of her appreciative mare who whinnied in agreement. Gertie deeply inhaled the fresh sea air and closed her eyes. The soothing sound of the waves rolling onto the shore, and the occasional cry of a gull were the only noises to be heard, and even then they didn’t quite interrupt the stillness of the morning. With a glance heavenward Gertie poured out her heartfelt whispers, I love you Lord, thank you for all you have done. Thank you for my time in New York, for the wonderful friendships formed there. And thank you for my strong, loving family. I’m so grateful for the opportunities you have opened up for me since my graduation. Please show me what steps to take and when to take them, in Jesus Name. Amen. With a smile on her face and peace in her heart, Gertie gazed out to sea, drinking in the love of her Heavenly Father.

It had been two months since she had graduated from the Academy in New York. She was finally qualified to teach. Gertie was now ready (as much as she could be that is) to leave the familiarity of the United States of America behind and embark on the biggest adventure of her life—to travel to the unknown shores of France as a missionary. She had been preparing for this moment for most of her scholastic life, and now it was just a few months away. Lovingly she patted the long neck of her horse and thought back on the last year of her life. What a wonderful year she had spent in New York with her three friends, Evelyn, Josephine, and Angela.

Angela, or Angie as she liked to be known, was the new addition to the group, arriving to their home at the start of the final year, but she was one who had slotted in like 'the final piece' in a well-made, wooden puzzle. How I miss those girls, I must write them before I leave. She reminded herself.

Suddenly Gertie laughed out loud, startling her mare. Oops, sorry Drifter. I just remembered the day we visited the Statue of Liberty, and Evelyn—bold as brass—saluted the Captain of the Tour Boat! She told the horse chuckling to herself again at the hilarious memory. They all had blushed, including Evelyn who hadn't really thought the whole thing through. That was Evelyn though, always bringing bubbly, fun everywhere she went, even though it meant occasionally breaking the boundaries of propriety for young ladies!

Gerrrrtttiieee! Gerrrrtttiieee! A faint shout brought Gertie back to the present. Looking up she saw a blur in the distance; a fast approaching blur, but still a blur nonetheless. Gertie raised her hand to wave an acknowledgement to her younger sister.

Here they come, Emily and Bullet, always going at full-speed. She said aloud to herself. The Lord definitely knew what He was doing when He brought Bullet to Emily, any other horse would have given up years ago!

Tugging on the reigns slightly she directed Drifter back onto the beach—they made it out of the sea just as the pair arrived, both rider and horse were panting heavily.

Emily! Please don't push that horse so hard! Gertie chided.

Oh, you know he loves it, I'm just the passenger when he gets going! Emily replied, while jumping off her bare-backed horse to let him walk freely into the water.

Gertie dismounted and began to remove the saddle from Drifter, so she could join her four-legged friend in the sea.

Gosh! Gert! It's the beach, who wears a saddle at the beach? You should be a free spirit like me. Riding bareback is the best! Emily playfully mocked her sibling.

Wiping her brow Gertie finished placing the saddle, with its heavy bags, a few steps away on the dry, softer sand. The one who has foresight enough to bring breakfast along, and even enough for two, should the free spirited one need to eat like us mortal beings! She laughed at the face of her sister, who not one to be beaten, responded by grabbing her in a bear hug.

And that's why we're the best team around sis! You're the organiser and I'm the spontaneous one! Emily finished and began to spin Gertie around until they both collapsed dizzily in a heap on the sand. Weak with laughter they remained in the very spot they fell, gazing up into the clear, blue sky. Soon the hunger pangs hit urging Gertie to action. Turning around she crawled over to the saddle and opened the bags.

Let's eat! Gertie invited, as she began to unpack her goodies. Here, give that to the horses please. She added while throwing a bag of hay over to her sister. Emily called their horses over for a fresh drink from the canteen and placed the hay on the sand. Once everything was sorted the girls sat themselves down to enjoy some hot coffee and chocolate croissants.

Looks like Roland is back from the city. Emily pointed down the beach to a spec in the distance.

Yip, that's him a'right! Good job I have another tin cup in my bag. Gertie said as she jumped up and began to animatedly dance and wave at the incoming rider.

Halllloooooo! I adore this beach life! Roland shouted as he pulled Blossom, his tan coloured mare to a gentle trot and then to a halt before Gertie. He jumped off and let her join the others who had returned to paddle in the sea. Grabbing Gertie, his dearest friend, he swung her around and finished with a massive hug. Good morning Gert!

Morning Ro! she giggled.

Hey there kiddo, still as wild as always? He affectionately patted Emily's head, as he threw himself down beside her.

I would like to remind you I'm now 18, Sir. She informed him with a grin, And yes, the wildness is in my blood!

Chuckling at her reply, Roland turned his attention to the breakfast. What do we have here?

Gertie smiled. Don’t panic, she said. There’s some more for you. She grabbed the extra cup and quickly filled it full with the steaming, hot coffee from her flask. While Emily offered him a fresh croissant.

Excellent! You girls will make fine wives someday! He teased. Every man needs an abundance of chocolate croissants!

With a shake of her head Gertie topped up her own cup of coffee and sat back down. The three friends relaxed and watched their horses frolic together at the sea shore.

Roland took a sip of his coffee and looked at Gertie, It's not too late to change your mind about this whole French thing. You could get on nicely here, and we could keep on meeting up like this—on the beach, safely away from the stiffness of society.

She smiled at her friend. I'm going to miss these sweet times together too. Reaching over she took his hand, they both knew there was no turning back on this one. You must come and visit me once I'm settled in. And you never know, ‘French Society’ could very well be your thing!

Well, that would be a miracle, but yes, you never know! I should just embrace this formal circus I'm tether bound to endure. Unlike you, my sweet friend, I have no means of escape. He said in good nature, and looked out to sea before back at the girls. But endure it I must, these extravagant parties and swooning ladies are part of the burden, that one such as I must bear! Laughing the sisters fanned themselves, feigning a fainting spell. Seriously though, I will visit you next year in your very own special part of France! He concluded his rather vulnerable speech with a smile, and another bite of croissant.

Gertie studied him a moment in appreciation of his deep friendship. Both sets of parents had at one time hoped for a more intimate union between the youngsters, but they had finally submitted to the knowledge that this would never happen. Instead they celebrated that Gertie, and off course Emily, enjoyed in Roland, the elder brother they never had. And likewise, Roland had the siblings, which he, being an only child was lacking.

Coming from two well-to-do families, Roland, and the girls were definitely a testament to their respective parents who indeed afforded them what must be described as a wholesome and respectable upbringing. Quite a few others found their offspring at this age and position in society to be tainted with entitlement and a rather snobbish air. Such a manner of conversation that does nothing but leave a foul taste in the mouths of those who are unfortunate enough to fall under it. Thankfully this could not be said of these three friends who continually left marks of sincerity and authenticity with whomever they visited—subject and superior alike.

I'm going to visit too! Emily, not to be left out, informed her sister.

I should definitely hope so! Gertie responded with an affirming smile at her younger sibling.

Good, glad that's settled! Emily muttered as she noted the three horses laying in the sand and decided to do likewise. Laying flat on the warm sand she closed her eyes and let the heat settle upon her like a cosy blanket. Roland chuckled and invited Gertie to walk to the water's edge with him so they could enjoy the trickle of whitewater swirl over their feet. The pair continued to visit and enjoy the heat of the morning sun.

Before long the beach started to come alive with people: dog walkers, joggers, and holiday-makers. About time to get back I think. Gertie declared and started to pack away the breakfast items. Roland fetched the horses and ensured Drifter's saddle was securely on.

Once all three were mounted, Emily, not satisfied with a light trot, shouted a quick See you later! Before allowing Bullet to let loose.

Shall we? Roland nodded to Gertie.

With a nod, Gertie shouted Ya! And the pair followed hot on her younger sister's trail. Despite their best attempts they couldn’t catch up with the speed of Bullet, much to Emily’s enjoyment as she waited in the stables for them to arrive. Once all the horses were looked after and left munching on their breakfast they signed out. With future plans made they left the riding stables, bidding their goodbyes. Gertie and Emily jumped into the back seat of the motor car, and directed their driver to take them home. The steady rhythm of the car as it travelled along the coastal route, along with the early morning activities soon made them quite sleepy indeed. I could sleep right here in the car. Gertie mumbled.

A few minutes and we’ll be at the house, Miss Gertrude. The young driver encouraged without taking his eyes off the road ahead. It was a walkable distance but their Father had his reasons for insisting Frank drive them.

Emily suddenly flinched. Oh, I still shudder every time we pass this part of the road!

Gertie looked across at her sister with a burst of compassion tugging strong at her heart. She reached over and squeezed Emily’s hand for a moment, imparting strength and assurance as best as she could do in the silence between them.

Frank soon picked up the conversation with Emily. Releasing Gertie to her own musings. Turning her head to look out the window she allowed her