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For those who haven’t read the entire Bride Brigade Series, here’s a peek at Angeline, Bride Brigade book 2:
St. Louis, Missouri
April, 1873
Could she jump? Angeline Chandler set down her two cases and stared at the railroad tracks below the station platform. She gauged the approaching train’s speed to determine how much time she had to decide. Tears running down her face, she considered the alternatives.
Turned out of her own home, sent away with only twenty dollars to her name and that now dwindled, what chance did she have to survive? How could she provide for the child growing inside her? Would she even survive on her own until time for the baby’s birth?
A quick end seemed a preferable alternative to starvation. Suicide went against all she believed. She especially couldn’t kill her own baby. Surely another situation would present itself, but she had no idea what it would be. But what? When?
A firm hand grabbed her arm. Angeline startled and looked into the face of a beautiful, dark-haired woman not much older than herself.
The other woman’s lovely gray eyes filled with compassion. “If you don’t have other plans, perhaps you’d care to accompany my friend, six young women, and myself to Texas. Why don’t we step over to that bench and I’ll explain.” Without releasing her grip, she picked up one of Angeline’s cases with her free hand.
Numb, Angeline carried the other suitcase and let herself be led like a child to the bench where a middle-aged woman joined them. The three sat down with her two cases by their feet. Angeline pulled her handkerchief from her sleeve and blotted her tears.
The lovely woman smiled. “My name is Lydia Harrison and this is my friend, Sophie Gaston. We’re returning to our home in Tarnation, Texas southwest of Fort Worth. I’ve recruited six young women to come with us because there are no marriage-age women in our small town. Young men are moving to cities so they can find a wife and have a family.”
The one called Sophie nodded. “My own son is one of those talking about leaving. I prevailed on Lydia to do something to keep the young men in Tarnation.” With a wry smile, she sent Lydia a glance. “To repay me, she insisted I travel with her.”
Lydia took Angeline’s hand. “Perhaps you’d like to come with us, at my expense, of course. I have a large home where all the girls will stay until they’ve found the man they wish to marry. With so many men looking for wives, I don’t expect they’ll be with me long, but they’re welcome to remain as long as they wish.”
Angeline couldn’t believe her ears. “Y-You’re inviting me to come with you?” Was this too good to be true? She didn’t want to end up in a brothel.
“Yes. The other six girls have gone walking around but I’m sure you’ll like them. We’re traveling in a private car because we began in Richmond and are going to Fort Worth.”
Lydia gave a slight grimace. “I’m afraid from there we’ll be forced to ride the stage, so the final part of the trip will not be easy or pleasant. Arriving home will be worthwhile, though. I love our little town.”
“I doubt anyone will want to marry me.” Who’d want to marry a woman carrying another man’s child? Should she confess or keep her own counsel lest she ruin her opportunity?
Lydia waved at someone. “Here are the other girls now. I know it’s a hurried decision, but we leave very soon and must board our car now.”
Angeline hardly needed to contemplate. She’d prayed for a solution—surely this must be Divine intervention. “If you’re sure, I’d love to accompany you to…what was the place in Texas?”
“Tarnation. A term my late husband used frequently, which inadvertently caused the town’s name. I’ll tell you all about the place during our trip.” She made brief introductions and they boarded.
Angeline had traveled with her family to elaborate locales, but even her parents considered the new Pullman car luxurious. She had no idea such sumptuous private train service as this was available. The walnut paneling and crystal light fixtures were as impressive as any opulent hotel she’d visited.
Small silver and crystal vases attached between windows held fresh flowers. Thick white damask covered each of two dining tables at one side. The same side held thickly padded armchairs. On the other, eight bunks lined the wall—four on top and four on bottom. Oh dear, she wondered where she would sleep. No matter, she was lucky to be alive and would sleep on the thickly carpeted floor if necessary.
Lydia spoke to the porter, who soon returned with fresh linens and a pillow and showed them how to turn a chair into a bed. Since evening was near, he made up the bed for her. She sank onto it gratefully.
Lydia rubbed her hands together and swayed as the train moved. “Now we’re all set. The porter will bring our supper in a few minutes. Angeline, I’m sure you’re familiar with train travel and know the facilities are in the tiny room at the end of the car.”
“I’ve ridden the train many times, but never in a private car. This is definitely a magnificent way to travel.”
No one questioned why she’d joined them. Throughout their meal, the other girls chattered and appeared welcoming without prying. For a while, Angeline drifted on the relief of having a place to sleep and the first food she’d eaten in more than a day. She allowed herself to relax. No matter what happened later, for now she was fed and safe.
Prudence Page 16
