<P> Laura's Uncle Tom (Ma's brother) visits the family and tells of his failed venture with a covered wagon brigade seeking gold in the Black Hills . Laura helps out seamstress Mrs. McKee by staying with her and her daughter, Mattie, on their prairie claim for two months to "hold it down" as required by law . The family enjoys summer visits from Mary . </P> <P> The Ingalls family finances have improved to the point that Pa can sell a cow to purchase a sewing machine for Ma . Laura continues to teach and work as a seamstress, and Almanzo invites Laura to attend a new "singing school" with him and her classmates . On the last evening of singing school, while driving Laura home, Almanzo--who has by now been courting Laura for three years--proposes to Laura . During their next ride, Almanzo presents Laura with a garnet - and - pearl ring and they share their first kiss . </P> <P> Several months later, after Almanzo has finished building a house on his tree claim, he asks Laura if she would mind getting married within a few days as his sister and mother have their hearts set on a large church wedding, which Pa cannot afford . Laura agrees, and she and Almanzo are married in a simple ceremony by the Reverend Brown . After a wedding dinner with her family, Laura drives away with Almanzo and the newlyweds settle contentedly into their new home . </P> <P> The ninth book in the series, The First Four Years (novel), and the final book to feature Laura as the protagonist, follows the earliest years of Laura and Almanzo's marriage . Found after Wilder's death, the book was published in its original draft form in 1971 . </P>

Chronological order of little house on the prairie books