Savannah's Promise (The Promise Series Book 2)

by Lynn Landes

  The past few days have been eye-opening, to say the least. Mrs. Kruger isn’t evil, just lonely and scared her daughter no longer wants her around. It turns out that she’s fun, easy to talk to and very witty. Her mouth curves into a smile as she looks at herself in a floor length mirror. The blue dress has been adjusted to fit her trim waist and sets off her eye color. “I don’t think my family would know what to say about this.”

  “They’d say you look like a refined young woman,” Mrs. Kruger teases.

  “Now you’ll have to teach me how to act the part, I’m afraid I’m so used to being around …” flashes of dirty, bloody, tents and wounded men moaning for help fill her mind and Savannah closes her eyes shut against the images.

  “Someday soon, you shall tell me of your experiences,” Mrs. Kruger startles her from her thought. “For now, we should return home for supper.”

  “Yes, thank you,” Savannah replies hoarsely. “While we’re in town I need to check in at the post office.”

  “Excellent, you can collect my mail. I’m hoping for a letter from my sister.”

  The driver stops in front of the general store for Savannah, “I’ll be a few minutes.”

  Savannah hurries inside, ignoring the stares and gets in line. When it is her turn, she collects Mrs. Kruger’s mail first and finally, it’s her turn.

  “Miss Savannah Ward, yes, you have two letters.” He turns and walks away to find her box, before finally returning to hand her the mail.

  “Thank you.” Savannah tucks her letters away until after Mrs. Kruger goes to bed and finds a quiet spot to read. The first is from Oliver’s family!

  Dear Miss Ward,

  It was a shock to receive your letter. Losing Oliver was a heavy blow, but the pain is lessened somewhat knowing he was not alone in his final moments. Though we did receive the telegram from the war office, it was short of details. It would be an honor to meet you and have our questions answered.

  Please forward your itinerary, and we look forward to sharing in Oliver’s last wish.

  God Bless

  Mrs. Irwin.

  Savannah folds the letter and sits back with a sigh of relief. “Here we go, Oliver.”

  The second is from the publishing house. They are requesting a meeting to see the rest of the photographs! Savannah groans quietly. Seeing no way around it, Savannah decides to send a telegram telling them S.E. Ward is traveling to Iowa and is unable to meet at this time. Glenn will pick up any return mail and help her with the details. For now, she is going to focus on Oliver’s family. One problem at a time.

  Chapter 9

  Five days of traveling, shopping and visiting with friends only to find herself back on a train has left Savannah desperate to disembark.

  “Don’t jump, dear.” Mrs. Kruger teases from her chair. She was kind enough to reserve a personal sleeping cabin with a private sitting and bathing room. The accommodations couldn’t be better.

  “Forgive me,” Savannah smiles over at her. “It’s just that I’ve had enough travel to last me a lifetime.”

  “Come sit and tell me about it. We have two hours till we arrive in Indiana. My family will greet us, and I’m afraid I won’t get much more time with you. Are you sure you won’t stay for a few days more?”

  Savannah walks away from the fast-moving landscape, “No, I must get to Iowa, quickly.”

  “Well, I insist you use this railcar until you arrive. I’ve already arranged for you to continue on.”

  Tears fill her eyes, and she sniffs. “I’ve never traveled in such luxury. We usually traveled by wagon. Thank you for your generosity, Mrs. Kruger.”

  “None of that now. Your face will turn red and splotchy. Tell me how often you had to move with the Sisters?” Savannah chuckles and sniffs quietly.

  “It was dependent on the orders. They sent them to the location of the worst battles. Mother Mary received a change order six months after first arriving from New York, to go to South Carolina. We were there for ten months to treat an epidemic of fever, then on to Virginia.”

  “I don’t blame you for not wanting to travel.” Mrs. Kruger pours tea and glances at Savannah. “Why Virginia?”

  “I quit asking why,” Savannah replied with a shrug of her shoulders. “It was always the same reason. We were sent in to treat the wounded, dying and infected from the aftermath of a heavy battle. I trained under Mother Mary until she passed from fever, then sister Elizabeth.”

  At Mrs. Kruger’s look of surprise, she continues. “Replacements were sent for the ones we lost. I often wondered why not me?” Savannah glanced at the older woman who gently sets her cup down and reaches for her hand.

  “The Bible says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, sayeth the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Savannah, I’ve lived for sixty-two years, and I’ve learned that its best if we don’t try to understand God’s plan, just trust him.”

  Savannah clasps her hand tightly. “I’m trying, Mrs. Kruger, but the past haunts me. The nightmares have faded, mostly. I watched my brother fight his way through similar feelings. I pray this trip will wash away the debt leaving me free to start living again.”

  “Child, every breath is the very act of living,” Mrs. Kruger insists.

  Savannah stands and paces away in the small cabin. “I know that, but I feel a driving force pushing me to complete this task. Does that sound crazy?”

  “No, it sounds like you’re listening to that whispering voice. Gods direction isn’t always a scream, and sometimes it’s a gentle nudge. Trust him, pray and enjoy the journey.”

  Savannah pauses midstride and sits down with a look of surprise on her face.

  “I’ve only just realized that my talks with the Lord aren’t as frequent as they once were. He feels so distant and unfamiliar sometimes. Does that make sense?”

  “Yes. We often stray during our lifetime.” Mrs. Kruger holds up a small Bible and smiles. “I’ve found that if I carve out time first thing in the morning or the evening before bed, it strengthens that bond.”

  “I used to feel him with me so deeply, and I miss that connection,” Savannah whispers.

  “You need to rekindle your faith, and he never left you, child. He’s just waiting for you to realize it.”

  A flicker of hope lights in Savannah’s heart and she wonders when did she let it go out? “Thank you, Mrs. Kruger, you’ve been a huge help to me.” Savannah sniffs back tears. “I must admit that I’m very nervous about meeting this family.” She’d explained the why of this trip to Mrs. Kruger during their time together and had come to trust her opinion.

  “I’m sure they are nervous as well. Promise me that you will be careful. I don’t like that you’re traveling on alone.”

  “You sound like my family,” Savannah laughs, “I’ve traveled all over by myself. This trip will be tame compared to what I’ve seen, Mrs. Kruger.”

  “I’m sure but consider my offer to stop on your way back home. I’d welcome your company again.”

  “Thank you, I will.”

  ****

  Glenn stares at the letter in his hand with shock. Along with an offer to publish a book of wartime images the publisher is asking that S.E. Ward, (Savannah) sign an exclusive offer. An advance of one hundred dollars is included, with the caveat she isn’t to show the images nor sell any of them. They would like to see more of Oliver’s images before they complete the offer. He is offering to meet her in Iowa to finalize the details. Unease flutters in his heart. “That’s a lot of money to throw at someone and a long way to go to look at some pictures.” Glenn stomps upstairs into Savannah’s room, and jerks open her desk drawer.

  “Let’s take a closer look at these images.” A few minutes later he’s staring at one, in particular, that seems off. Unsure of what he’s looking at he decides to break his promise to Savannah and share these images with Dayton. In two days, he arrives to look at the pony he’s buying. One man in the image is standing in front of a w
agon of weapons and shaking hands with a General, from the Confederate army.

  “Dayton has ties to Washington. Perhaps he can tell me if I’m worrying over nothing.” Glenn whispers a quick prayer of protection for Savannah and puts the images away.

  Chapter 10

  Iowa

  Spring planting is the busiest time of year on Laurel Farm. Eli loves to watch the field come up and begin to ripen. Sunrise paints the fields with a golden glow. Riding through the planting fields, he smiles with pride. His Father homesteaded this land with his Mother, and it was a working farm, right up until the war. They managed enough to feed the family and live comfortably. Eli joined the Militia to protect farms like his family home while Oliver chose more colorful pursuits.

  Eli’s family often teased that he was born with a spade in his hand while Oliver was born with wings on his feet. He longed to see the world and the war offered the opportunity he was waiting for.

  His father was sixty-three when Eli joined the militia and went to train. Oliver had left the previous year. His father didn’t live to see his sixty-fourth birthday. The doctor said it was a heart attack, not uncommon for someone his age. Working the farm was too much for him. Eli came home to a run-down farm, and through thrifty financial deals, he managed to make a small fortune. The soldiers needed to eat, and the farmers rushed to fill the contracts for pork, beef and other meat. The demands provided farmers with cash income. Eli was happy to meet those demands. As a result, his family farm is thriving.

  Spring will be spent planting corn, cultivating, and harvesting, not to mention weeding. April through May is planting season. Where once the farm required his constant attention, he has a crew of workers includes, live-in farm hands. The beginning of Summer will be spent dodging storms and getting the first cuts of hay out of the fields and into the barn.

  “Fine mornin’, Eli,” his Farm Manager, Rooster calls when he rides into the barn.

  “True, a fine morning for harvesting. Are we ready?”

  “We are. Crews are waiting for the order.”

  “How many did you hire?” They ride back to the barn as they discuss the details of today’s harvest. “Forty, or so.”

  “Excellent. I’ll be back tonight to check in. I have a meeting in town.”

  Rooster was his Father’s best friend and most trusted employee. “Anything I need to worry about?”

  “Not yet. Let me know if you have any concerns. Make sure to send a few workers to the house. I need the family beds weeded today, or Mother will try to do it again.”

  Rooster grins, “I imagine so, she loves her gardens.”

  “That she does. Thanks again.” Eli sighs as he rides back to the main barn. He tries to still the anger growing in his heart. His mother is fragile since his father passed. Today she insisted on going with him to meet this woman, “Savannah Ward,” he grumbles. “Let’s get this over with.”

  The Black Eagle Hotel is stunning. The moment Savannah steps inside the lobby her week spent traveling is forgotten. From the outside, the eleven-story terra cotta building does nothing to suggest such opulence awaits. A large jaw-dropping domed atrium, flooded with light and gorgeous rod iron handrails, draw the eyes up the white staircase and over a second story ledge.

  Savannah strolls into the lobby, carrying two worn, brown, canvas bags and stops for a moment to take it all in. “I should have brought my camera,” she whispers.

  “Miss Ward?”

  Savanna whirls around and smiles at the older woman in front of her.

  “Yes, I’m Miss Ward,” Savannah says, and neither one of them move for a moment.

  “Forgive me. You’re not what I was expecting. I’m Mrs. Irwin.”

  “I get that a lot,” Savannah teases and falls silent for a moment, glancing closely at the elegantly dressed white-haired woman. “Of course, I see the resemblance, Oliver had your eyes.”

  “Oh,” she whispers and struggles not to weep. “I told you, Eli!” Savannah’s eyes fill with tears when Oliver’s mother grabs her in a quick hug. “You must call me Felicia. We took the liberty of securing a table in the hotel restaurant for lunch. Please meet my son, and Oliver’s brother, Eli Irwin.”

  Eli watches the interaction with a frown. Miss Ward glows like a burst of sunshine. Her colonial blue day dress with white piping is a sharp contrast to her shocking red hair. It makes her intense blue eyes that much more striking when they glance up at him.

  “Miss Ward,” he tips his head at her with a nod.

  Savannah is not surprised by his coloring, dark-haired, tan skin, muscular body, he resembles Oliver, but the anger in his eyes is unexpected. He waits for the blush faltering speech of a young woman but is surprised when she stares straight at him with a welcoming smile. “It’s lovely to meet you both.” She turns back to his Mother. “Thank you, Mrs. Irwin, for thinking of lunch. I’m famished.”

  “Eli take her bags,” Mrs. Irwin suggests.

  “That’s not necessary.” Savannah grips the handles tightly and steps back from them. “I can carry them.”

  “What’s wrong, Miss Ward. Do you have something to hide?” Eli demands.

  Savannah turns and stares at the handsome man refusing to budge when he steps closer to her. If he thinks to intimidate her by stepping into her space, he will be sorely mistaken. Though not nearly as tall as her brother Glenn, it doesn’t take much to tower over her height. At five foot two most men look down on her, but Savannah makes up for it in spirit.

  “Eli!” His mother hisses.

  “No, that’s quite alright, Mrs. Irwin. I understand.” Savannah stares up at Eli and tries to calm the beating of her heart. She’s dealt with angry men before. Her blue eyes flash, “I didn’t intend to insult you, Mr. Irwin, but I’ve carried these for the past few years, and you’ve yet to prove to me whether you can be entrusted with them.”

  “You are the one who insisted on giving us Oliver’s things. Let’s get this over with, so we can all get back to our lives,” Eli snaps.

  Hurt registers before anger and Savannah’s thankful when his mother jerks him away from her. “Excuse us for a moment.” She angrily whispers at him while Savannah watches. After a moment or two, they walk back over.

  “I’m sure you can appreciate how hard this is for us, Miss Ward. You’ll have to forgive Eli. I insist you call me Felicia,” she links her arm through Savannah’s before Eli can respond and guides her through the lobby. “What do you think of the Black Eagle Hotel? It’s stunning isn’t it?” The two women walk through the atrium, towards the restaurant.

  “It’s lovely. I will have to see the gardens before I leave. I’ve heard they are exquisite. I’d love to photograph the building and gardens.”

  Eli snorts and covers it with a cough. Savannah ignores the obvious disdain coming from him.

  After a few moments, they are guided to a table apart from the other diners. It’s near a large window, and the streaming sunlight feels amazing after the cold welcome from Eli. Savannah places her bags against the wall beneath the windows and sits down.

  Eli watches quietly while his mother chats with Savannah about the weather and her hotel. “I’m staying at the Becker House, near the rail station.”

  Mrs. Irwin gasps in horror. “That won’t do. We have plenty of room. I insist you come home with us and stay until you leave.”

  “Mother!” Eli snarls, “that’s not happening,”

  Savannah smothers a grin, “Truly, Felicia,” she uses her first name, hoping it will irritate Eli. “It’s a fine hotel. I’ve stayed in much worse conditions, believe me.”

  “I’m sure that you have, but Oliver would be ashamed of us if we didn’t insist. It’s the least we could do. Please, say you’ll come home with us.”

  “My train is set to depart in three days. I assure you I will be fine.” Savannah refuses to look at Eli when he sits back and crosses his arms across his chest. The rude way he’s glowering at her makes her want to kick him in the shin.

  �
��Eli, you will fix this.” Felicia turns weepy eyes on him, and he rubs a hand over his face in frustration.

  “Fine, you are welcome to stay with us, Miss Ward.”

  “That’s very kind of you, Mr. Irwin, but as I’ve said before, I’m only here for a few days. It’s not necessary.”

  Eli leans forward, “Yes, Miss Ward, but you’ve also said that you aren’t sure we’re worthy of whatever it is you carry in those bags. Perhaps, if you spent some time with the family of the man you claim to care for, your decision would become clearer.”

  Savannah jerks and for the first time, he sees a crack in her calm façade. “Oliver said you were pigheaded,” she hisses at him and starts to stand only to stop when Felicia grasps her head.

  “Please, my vapors, Eli!” her face has fallen ghostly pale, and Savannah jumps to help.

  “What’s wrong?” Savannah gasps as Eli turns to his Mother, drawing a small vial from the inside pocket of his overcoat.

  “She has spells from time to time. Get some water.”

  Savannah moves quickly and grabs a glass of water, from a waitress passing by. “Thank you!”

  Eli waves the vapor beneath her nose while Savannah gently encourages her to sip from the glass. “I’m sorry, Mother, forgive me.”

  “I will recover in a moment, dear. Just give me a second.” Eli fans her with the menu, yet still manages to glare at Savannah.

  “This was a mistake,” she whispers. Savannah grabs her bags and hurries across the room.

  “Eli, don’t let her leave!” His mother insists, waving him away. “I’m fine, go!”

  “You rest, I’ll bring her back.”

  Before she makes it across the busy restaurant, Eli catches up to her and blocks her way.

  “Oh, no you don’t. Miss Ward, you and I will finish this discussion. My Mother insists I take you to the Gardens to walk and get to know each other.” He grabs her by her upper arm and guides her through the restaurant, causing her to stumble along beside him.