She Came by Train: Prairie Sisters Series, #1

Chapter One

April 1876

Charles City, Virginia

The train chugged toward the station. Smoke bellowed from the engine’s stack. Standing underneath the roof of the brick-and-mortar depot, Opal gulped as she watched it approach. She rubbed her hands on her white-and-green ruffled skirt.

With a weak smile, her father turned to her. Are you sure you want to do this?

Papa, this is for the best. You know that. Your business is suffering and Winifred is old enough to take care of the boys. She shifted her head away to dab at a trickling tear with her fingertip.

But it’s so far.

She faced him and forced a smile. Yes, she replied, her voice soft. It’s going to be rough. But not having me here will help you, and I’ll be safe.

His gaze searched hers. His credentials are impeccable, according to the telegraph messages, he said in a meek voice.

The train pulled into the station, its wheels squealing as it made its stop.

She swallowed the lump in her throat. Puffs of the engine’s smoke blew into her eyes. She fumbled to open the drawstring purse. Getting a good grip to pull the strings apart, she reached for her handkerchief. Retrieving the lace-edged cloth, she wiped her eyes before replacing it inside her handbag.

Your train departs in about fifteen minutes. Let’s get your trunk loaded. His jaw clenched as he waved his hand to beckon one of the baggage handlers to come over.

A gray-haired man raced to them.

Her father turned to him. Would you put this on the train for us? The baggage tag is on it, and my daughter has the matching one.

Opal clasped the drawstrings and pulled the purse open to grasp the brass metal inside.

Pa laughed. You’re always checking and rechecking things. That’s why I’m surprised you’re willing to take on this adventure.

Her skirt brushed against her ankles as she rocked back and forth. It’s amazing, isn’t it? But this leaves you with one less mouth to feed, and it’s time I found my way. She paused. I-I can’t stay with you forever and no man has asked to court.

Her father took her arm. That’s not true. There’s plenty of interest in a pretty girl like you. You’re just picky.

Opal sighed. Yes, I guess I am. I want a man, not some namby-pamby, old-plantation owner who never worked a day in his life.

You amaze me, Opal. You really do. I never thought you had that much mischief in your soul to leave and go so far away from us.

No, Pa, it’s not that. It’s just I want to see if there’s something else out there, and this position gives me that. She adjusted her feathered hat.

All aboard! the conductor shouted from a distance.

Pa’s soft hand stroked hers then he tightened his grip. You write. If things don’t work out, you come back to us. His voice broke. Winifred and the boys wanted to see you off.

I know but it’s better this way. I said good-bye to them last night.

Pa led her to the conductor. My daughter here is taking this train to Lincoln, Nebraska. He caressed her arm as he spoke. Keep her safe. She has no escort to watch over her. She is taking a governess position and only Mr. Boyer is allowed to meet her when she reaches her destination.

I understand and will pass it on to the other conductors.

Don’t forget to read the Good Book. Pa squeezed her arm and said his good-bye.

She stifled her urge to let the tears flow. Instead, she cracked a small smile. Somehow we’ll see each other again. I don’t know how or when but I believe it’ll happen.

I hope so, honey, he whispered before he released her arm.

The conductor cleared his throat.

She grasped his outstretched hand.

The man helped her up the steps and guided her to a front row seat. Sit here, miss. I’ll take good care of you. Don’t you worry.

Thank you. She let out a long breath and turned her head toward a north window. Her father waved to her. She waved back. They continued until a number of people gathered, and she no longer could see him through the crowd. It pained her to leave her family, but Pa needed to get back on his feet. He couldn’t keep up with the social demands - the balls and the clothing necessary to make an impression even though their wealth had all dwindled into almost nothing. Biting her lip to keep it from trembling, she scanned the people waiting to depart.

Several ladies, dressed in linen outfits with matching hats and gloves, stood beside their escorts. Their fancy attire brought tears to her eyes. She would miss that and her beloved homeland, Virginia. Smoothing out her flowing skirt, she reached for her smelling salts from her dangling belt. She took a whiff to revive her, not wanting her anxiety to get the better of her. The chatter of people intensified. Several passengers bolted inside her car and grazed her skirt as they passed by her. The whistle blew. A woman plunked down beside her.

The conductor leaned forward and smiled. If you two need anything, let me know. Miss Preston, this is Miss Wilcox. Miss Wilcox, this is Miss Preston. You two won’t believe it, but you’re both headed for Lincoln, Nebraska. It’s a small world. He chuckled and headed to the door to assist other passengers.

Opal turned toward the lady sitting beside her. So you’re going to Lincoln? How unusual for us to be traveling to the same place.

Yes, it is. She retrieved a handkerchief out of her purse, tears welling up in her eyes.  She smiled. I worried about traveling this distance by myself.

Opal leaned toward Miss Wilcox, eyebrows furrowed. Are you alright?

I, she sniffed and wiped her eyes. I suppose I’ll be. Are you scared?

Opal sighed and replied in a low voice, Yes, I’m leaving my beloved Virginia for an unknown place. It’s disconcerting.

She nodded. It is. I didn’t want to leave, but my brother worried about me and, she grimaced and wiped more tears, arranged a marriage to secure my future. I’m sorry. I can’t seem to stop. She sniffed. I’m Ada, by the way.

Opal.

So may I ask why you are going to Lincoln? I - I don’t want to pry, but since we’ll be traveling together, I thought it might be nice to - to talk.

Opal smiled and turned toward her. Of course, you can and I’ll be happy to talk about it. I’m taking a governess position for two children.

Oh? How old are they?

Abigail’s six and Theodore’s eight.

Those are good ages. She took a deep breath.

It is. Opal paused, thinking of how cute children often were at these ages. That’s very perceptive of you.

Well, I come from a large family. I have five brothers and two sisters.

I come from a large family of five brothers but only have one sister. Opal laughed. I can’t believe the things we’ve got in common. It’s uncanny.

Ada gestured to her passenger’s dress. Even to the point of our choice in colors.

I noticed right away that we were both wearing green. I’m glad the conductor put us together.

I am too. Who are you meeting once we reach Lincoln?

My employer, Mr. Boyer. Her stomach churned at his name, unaware exactly what to expect once she arrived. And you?

Ada gulped and clasped her hands together. Pete Kelly. That’s all my brother told me about him. Oh, he did say Pete’s well off. So, you’re going to work as a governess? Are you looking forward to it?

Yes, but I’m going to miss my Virginia. Her voice broke. She took a deep breath and asked, What about you?

Not really. I’m just afraid of what kind of man my brother arranged for me.

It’s going to be difficult for both of us. Opal squeezed her newfound acquaintance’s hand a moment.

Ada returned the sentiment then withdrew her hand.

Needing quiet, Opal shifted her head toward the window. She gazed at the rows of dogwood trees in full bloom. She knew nothing like this awaited her in that desolate land they called Nebraska. Through the cracked-open window, she inhaled the sweet smell of the lilacs. Flowers. Can they even grow there? The stifled tears bubbled to the surface. She reached inside her handbag to pull out her handkerchief and dabbed at the corner of her eyes.

WITH THE FINAL TRANSFER behind them, the train clanged closer to their destination. Long ago the thickets of trees disappeared and were replaced with barren land, except for an occasional clump of grass or tree. Her friend, who sat beside her, slept comfortably after days of crying. Opal sighed, glad her companion got a little bit of peace before they arrived. They had vowed to keep in touch. Ada would live on a farm outside of town while Opal would execute her duties in a house a half-mile