Through Rushing Water
ACCLAIM FOR
SPRING FOR SUSANNAH
“This is the kind of character-driven book many first novelists hope to write and few achieve. Richmond leaves the reader begging to know what happens next to her protagonists. More, please!”
âHistorical Novel Reviews, starred review
“Richmond arrives on the inspirational fiction scene with a moving debut novel . . . The backstory of the emotions of a mail-order brideâa favorite among historical-romance readersâdeepens Richmond's tale, and readers will be filled with hope that Susannah will learn the true meaning of love. Highly recommended where inspiring, romantic historical fiction is in demand.”
âBooklist
“. . . charming inspirational story about a man's extreme faith, a woman's bravery, and God's amazing grace. Catherine Richmond has penned a treasure in her debut novel,
Spring for Susannah
. She gives realistic details of life in the 1870s, works in a good measure of inspiration, and just the right amount of romance. This is truly a must read!”
“
Spring for Susannah
follows one woman's journey to the Dakota territory where she learns not only to survive the elements, but to also trust that God has a plan for her. I loved watching Susannah transform from a shy and timid woman who feels unworthy to a strong, independent pioneer in this new world. Filled with history and well researched,
Spring for Susannah
kept me cheering for these well developed characters until the very last page. Fans of this genre will welcome this refreshing read from debut author Catherine Richmond.”
âBeth Wiseman, best-selling author of
Seek Me with All Your Heart
“Upon rare occasion, one discovers a book that sweeps you into its world so completely, you never want to leave. Catherine Richmond's
Spring for Susannah
is such a book, transfixing the reader with a tale of an unlikely love that whispers and sways across the pages like the grasses across the prairie, ripening into a heart's desire that touches the very soul. A stunning debut that will capture your heart and never let go . . .”
âJulie Lessman, best-selling author of
A Hope Undaunted
“I can't remember being drawn in so hard by a debut novel. Cathy Richmond wrote an absolutely beautiful, sweet, funny, exciting romance. I fell completely in love with the hero and heroine. The shy, sweet Susannah who's been trained that a woman doesn't spout opinions or show emotions, and poor lonely Jesse who is dying for someone who will talk to him. It's full of passion and danger and humor and charm.”
âMary Connealy, author of
Montana Rose
“
Spring for Susannah
is a captivating debut! Susannah's plight captured me from the beginning, and I didn't want the book to end. Catherine Richmond wove beautiful details throughout this novel, and I savored her wonderful description along with her story.”
âMelanie Dobson, author of
Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa
and
The Silent Order
“
Spring for Susannah
is a tender, realistic story full of memorable characters. This vivid portrait of life in the Dakota Territory will transport you into the life of a brave woman who must take the ultimate risk as she awakens to love in body and spirit. By capturing the earthly beauty of a good marriage, Cathy Richmond puts the âinspiration' in inspirational romance.”
âRosslyn Elliott, author of
Fairer than Morning
“Brimming with fascinating details and endearing characters,
Spring for Susannah
is as refreshing as a cool Dakota breeze. An accomplished debut!”
âDorothy Love, author of
Beyond All Measure
THROUGH
RUSHING WATER
ALSO BY
CATHERINE RICHMOND
S
PRING FOR
S
USANNAH
THROUGH
RUSHING WATER
CATHERINE RICHMOND
© 2012 by Catherine Richmond
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansâelectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or otherâexcept for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Thomas Nelson, Inc., titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail [email protected].
Publisher's Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or used fictitiously.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Richmond, Catherine, 1957-
  Through rushing water / Catherine Richmond.
      p. cm.
  ISBN 978-1-59554-925-9 (pbk.)
1. Women missionaries--Fiction. 2. Ponca Indians--Fiction. 3. Dakota Territory--Fiction. I. Title.
  PS3618.I349T48 2012
  813'.6--dc23
2012010650
Printed in the United States of America
12 13 14 15 16 17 QG 6 5 4 3 2 1
To those who went out to change
the world for Christ and returned
with a changed heart.
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee.”
âIsaiah 43:2
“Everone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
âLeo Nikolaevich Tolstoy
C
ONTENTS
S
ophia Makinoff had the perfect job.
Her students were brilliant, conscientious, and far too well bred to consider cheating on an examination. Sophia could, without impunity, allow her attention to drift. She opened the window with a gentle push. A breath of air, damp with a hint of this morning's rain and spiced with blooming lilacs, relieved the chalk-dust stuffiness of the classroom. Two flights below, a brisk
clip-clip
indicated a gardener neatening a hedge. From a distant music room came the strains of a Mozart sonata.
Behind Sophia, a student sighed.
The view was dominated by the east wing of the College, with its basement laundry, first-floor dining hall, and second-floor chapel, providing cleanliness, sustenance, and godliness. Across the lawn, a gasometer fueled lights throughout the College. To the southeast stood the gymnasium where Sophia had practiced calisthenics and learned the pastime of bowling, a game similar to the nine pins her father played at the garrison. She had walked the paths, attended lectures and concerts, visited the art gallery. But she had not left campus since Christmas.
Behind her, a petticoat rustled.
Above the trees the cupola of Montgomery Hill glowed, a light to the world. On days like this Sophia would serve tea on the veranda for diplomats and captains of industry, addressing topics from immigration to workers' rights. In the front parlor she would hold a salon as lively as any in Paris, discussing justice, reform, and an end to corruption in government.
Since the election of Rexford Montgomery to Congress, Sophia had made a regular practice of reading the newspapers. She could converse intelligently on subjects as varied as the Boss Tweed and William Belknap scandals, or the Grange Movement and Civil Rights.
Now if only New York's youngest congressman wouldâ
“Mademoiselle?”
Sophia bumped her head against the window frame. “
Oui
, Elizabeth?”
“Oh, I'm so sorry. Are you all right?”
“But of course. With this much hair I am immune to injury.” She patted her chignon. “How may I assist you?”
“J'ai finie.”
The student handed over her examination, then leaned toward the window. “Was there something outside?”
Something? Only a world in need of saving. Sophia cited the College's doctor: “Fresh air strengthens the constitution.”