by Lynn Landes
Chapter 35
“Hurry up, Mama!” Lucas grumbles and itches at his new suit.
Kristin steps into the room and smiles at her son. “Mama you look like a princess,” he gasps.
Kristin’s dark hair is curled in the latest fashion and pulled up. Her bustled, light blue, corseted gown is her best dress. “You look handsome, Lucas.”
Felicia walks in with Savannah and both women smile. “You look stunning,” Savannah says.
Felicia sniffs and walks over to Kristin, “I’d like you to have these,” she offers up a small velvet box. Resting inside sits a pair of pearl earrings.
“Oh, I couldn’t, Felicia!” she gasps.
“You can and you will. Eli’s father gave them to me on our wedding day, and now, I’m giving them to you. I’m so happy you found each other again.”
“Felicia,” Kristin sniffs, “I’ve never stopped loving him.”
“I know sweetie, now let’s get you married!”
“I’m hungry,” Lucas shouts.
“Shall we get this wedding started then?” Savannah asks with a giggle.
Nothing could be more beautiful than a spring wedding in a flower garden. The early morning dew makes the flowers glisten as if painted just for today. Eli didn’t want to wait a moment longer to make Kristin his, and when she walks toward him, his smile rivals the sun.
Savannah walks behind the couple in a soft pink gown that compliments her fair complexion. Dayton only has eyes for her and the joy that radiates from her.
It’s an intimate wedding, and the vows touch everyone in attendance.
The preacher covers their joined hands to pray.
“The couple would like to recite their own vows,” the preacher says.
Eli smiles at her and begins.
“Kristin, I give my life to you and Lucas, and all that life entails;
To take the good with the bad,
To live with you through trials and triumphs,
To live with you in the commitment of faith,
I offer the security of hope and the joy of love.
Eli, I give my life to you, my heart to you and my future.
I take you to be my husband and father to my son.
I will respect and honor you always, and in all ways.”
Savannah glances at Dayton and is surprised to find him staring at her. She smiles, and all the noise fades away.
“You may kiss the bride,” the Preacher says.
Savannah jumps, shocked that she missed the rest of the vows and blushes when Dayton grins.
A cheer erupts when Eli grabs Kristin and kisses her passionately.
News spread quickly of Fred’s arrest and of Eli’s wedding to Kristin. The wagons came, surprising those in attendance.
“What’s a wedding without a celebration after?” Felicia says. “I hope you don’t mind but I invited a few friends.”
Neighbors bring food, some bring gifts, music, dancing, and laughter. One of the barns has been cleared, and tables set up, leaving space for a dance floor. Felicia introduces Savannah to friends and neighbors and insists she dance.
Savannah retreats to the back corner of the barn to watch, feigning exhaustion. Dayton is busy greeting Eli’s friends and Savannah notices that most of them are women. Frowning she turns away and watches Lucas dance with his mother.
“Remember your promise, Savannah?” Eli says from behind her.
Savannah smiles, “I remember, Eli. I’m very happy for you and Kristin.”
“Thank you. Will you dance with me?” He holds out an arm, and she smiles.
“Of course.” They laugh when Lucas spins with his Mom on the dance floor.
“You shouldn’t be hiding in a corner,” he glances at her. “Where’s Kentucky?’
“Dayton is occupied,” she sniffs as Eli glances around.
Dayton is standing in a corner surrounded by four young ladies and their mothers. He throws Eli a silent plea for help.
“I almost feel sorry for him,” Eli chuckles.
“Why? He’s in his element,” she grumbles.
“Don’t be childish. What man crosses the country to help a woman in need? You should consider him a gift from our Father,” he glances at Kristin and realizes how many similarities they have in common. “Don’t waste years, like I did.”
Savannah glances at him in surprise. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you,” Eli softens his tone at her confused look. “Maybe he needs someone to save him this time?”
Eli walks her back to her corner when the song ends. “Thank you, Miss Ward.” He returns to Kristin and scoops Lucas up with a gleeful scream.
Just as she’s about to make her way to Dayton, a male voice interrupts her musing.
“Excuse me, may I have this dance?” Savannah glances up in surprise and nods. Etiquette demands that she not refuse, and she finds that she doesn’t want to. She dances with four more young men, spinning swirling and laughing, while Dayton watches.
His anger grows more with each passing dance. Can’t they tell she needs to rest? Another woman approaches and nudges her daughter towards him. Inwardly Dayton groans as she presents her.
Savannah throws her hands up before anyone else can ask her to dance. “No more gentlemen, I need to replenish.” Two young stable workers rush to the punch bowl and Savannah seizes the opportunity to hurry to Dayton. Marching up behind him she hears the lady suggest a dance. Before he can respond, Savannah interrupts.
“Mr. Patrick promised me the next dance.”
Dayton smiles in relief and turns to look at her. “Indeed. Ladies, please excuse me.”
He guides her to the floor with her hand on his arm. “What took you so long?” he snaps and pulls her onto the dance floor.
Savannah laughs and ignores the glare of the ladies left behind. “Poor baby, were you being feeling trapped?” She purses her lips.
“I didn’t hear you complaining about the attention you were receiving, Miss Ward.” Dayton’s hand tightens on her waist, and she realizes he’s not smiling nor enjoying her teasing.
“The only attention I wanted was yours, Dayton. Your hands, your mouth, your touch. I don’t play games.”
His hand relaxes in her, and his smile reaches his eyes this time. “Thank you for stroking my ego, but I don’t blame them for seeking out the only flower amongst the weeds.”
“Dayton,” she gasps softly, “you say such beautiful things.”
He pulls her closer, ignoring everything else, “I speak the truth, Miss Ward. You’ve gone too long without it.” They ignore those around them and sway together.
“Are you packed?” he asks softly.
“I am. Do you have the tickets?”
“Yes. We’ve been so busy I meant to tell you…” he falls quiet and looks at her with trepidation. “I hope you don’t mind?”
“Mind what?” Dayton is never nervous, what’s he up too?
“I need to meet some investors in Chicago. I was able to get two tickets to Chicago, and it’s a direct shot to Kentucky.”
“Chicago?” she asks. “Of course, I understand, Dayton. I’ve kept you from your work long enough. I’ll continue on to meet my family.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, you’re coming with me.” He steps back releasing her when the song ends.
“What?” she hisses. “I can’t go to Chicago with you, Dayton.” He guides her to the punch bowl and offers her a glass.
“It’s all arranged. I don’t want you to be alone. You said that your family was going to be delayed, and this works out perfectly. My promise was to deliver you to Glenn. There is nothing to discuss as far as I’m concerned.”
Savannah stares in open-mouthed shock. Fury rushes through her body, and she’s thankful the glass is half empty. “This is the only opportunity I have to meet this group of investors, Savannah. I need to go.”
Guilt has her tamping down her anger. “Of course, but I don’t see why I have to go with you. In fact, I can think of a hundred reason why I should
n’t.”
“If you’d trust me, I can explain on the train. It’s only a two-day delay, and I’ll return you to your family.”
“Alright, Dayton.” Savannah agrees, now isn’t the time to argue. She owes him more than she can say, perhaps she will find a way to repay him on this trip.
Eli waves to gain Dayton’s attention and he guides Savannah over to say goodbye. They are scheduled to leave on the first train in the morning.
Felicia hugs the newlyweds, and Kristin hugs Lucas while Eli turns to Savannah and Dayton.
“Savannah, you will remember your promise?” Eli demands and tears fill her eyes.
“Yes, Eli, and you will be happy. It’s what Oliver would have wanted for you.”
“Thank you doesn’t seem enough,” Eli whispers and pulls her into a hug.
“It is.”
Kristin hugs her, and they walk away while Savannah turns into Dayton’s arms to cover her tears. “I just need a minute,” she sniffs.
“Take your time.” He’s content to hold her. He could care less about the snickers and stares. Tomorrow they leave for Chicago, and he is thrilled to have her at his side.
Eli picks up his bride to the joy of everyone watching and announces they will be leaving! People pour out into the yard, and Kristin hugs Lucas who has promised to be good for the night. They have planned a honeymoon trip for later in the season. They wave goodbye, and Savannah watches this chapter of her life close.
Chapter 36
“We have reservations,” Dayton informs the ticket agent.
“Excellent sir, tickets please.” Savannah glances around the train depot and pushes back her nerves. She unconsciously pushes closer to Dayton and slips a hand through his arm.
Trains roar from the station and roll in and the noise of the people presses in on her. Savannah struggles to catch her breath. One second, she’s in the station and the next she’s back on the field pressing a dirty cloth on a hemorrhaging wound. “Help me,” the young soldier pleads and clutches at her.
Dayton feels her hand clench his arms tightly and turns to glance at her finding her pale and her eyes wide open. “Savannah!” he calls softly, and she jerks from the memory and squeezes her eyes closed.
“I’m okay,” she turns to him and straightens her spine.
“Are you sure?” he asks softly.
“Yes, thank you.” She glances at the male ticket agent who is clearly waiting on them. “Forgive me, the noise is a little overwhelming,” she explains.
“No problem, you will find the inside to be much quieter.” He hands back the punched tickets. “If you’re looking to upgrade, find a ticket agent once the train is underway.” He suggests. “Enjoy your trip.”
Dayton frowns at her in obvious concern. “Savannah, we’re traveling in a semi-private car. I was unable to get first class tickets on such short notice.”
“Dayton,” she steps closer to him and smiles when his eyes drop to her mouth. His freshly shaven face is tempting her to trace a hand over it, but she shake the urge away. “I don’t expect to be coddled. I’m used to traveling in much worse conditions than on a train.”
“Of course.” He releases her and boards making sure she’s following him.
Dayton boards and she follows close behind him; drawing in a deep breath when they enter the train. Savannah knows how to ignore the memories and is grateful to be leaving. Chicago is a place she’s never visited, and she looks forward to the new experience.
Coach consists of wooden bench seats, in close quarters. Windows flank both sides of the cars. She follows Dayton through the coach car and into the semi-private car.
Furnished black walnut inlay lined the walls, with framed mirrors hanging between windows lined with beautiful curtains. Thick, lush carpet covers the floor, oil brass lamps light the way. The car is heated by hot air furnace beneath the floor, and each semi-private compartment has folding upper berths which could drop down to reveal a sleeping area.
“It’s lovely!” Savannah gasps as they move through. Dayton smiles and stops to speak to a porter.
“This way, Sir.” A young black man leads them to the section they will travel in. “My name is George. I will be your Porter. Please do not hesitate to ring the bell, for any of your needs. You are traveling in Section 4b. Your bags can be stored beneath your seats, should you need to take a nap. I will return to make your bed when you are ready. Lunch and dinner can be brought to your section, or if you so choose, I can make a reservation for you in the dining car.”
Dayton gestures for Savannah to step inside the section and waits for her to choose her seat. “Thank you, George,” she says.
“My pleasure.”
“Which direction are the washroom, dining car, and parlor?” Dayton asks.
“Excellent questions! Your car has eight sections with a washroom for each of you. The female washroom is to the rear of this car, and the male washroom is to the front. You came through the coach cabin, if you continue through your car you will find the dining car, followed by parlor, and finally the luggage cars.”
Savannah listens quietly, taking note of each car and covers a yawn with her hand. She’s excited and tired. This is pure luxury compared to some of the other train cars.
“Thank you, George. We will have lunch here, once the journey has begun.”
“Excellent, I will bring you some a tea tray with biscuits and a menu. Make yourselves comfortable.”
Savannah unpins her hat and avoids looking at Dayton. This is much more intimate than she’d imagined. The semi-private cabin is much more private than the coach area. A ten-hour train ride in such close quarters could cause problems, considering they aren’t married or even related. What will she tell her parents? She shakes her head and smiles, how ridiculous. You’ve traveled all over the country and taken care of men in seriously intimate conditions. This is nothing.
“I can see your mind racing, Savannah. Care to share your thoughts?” Dayton asks, removing his overcoat and hanging it on the hook.
“No,” she glances up just as he stretched, and her eyes widen at the muscles clearly displayed. Her mouth goes dry, and she looks at him, wondering if he’s tempting her on purpose.
“I see.” He sits across from Savannah just as the train starts to move. The whistle blows. “I bought all four seats, so we’d have privacy, Savannah. It’s the best I could do under the circumstances.”
Savannah glances out the window as they start to move and her heart sinks. “It’s fine, Dayton. Thank you for thinking of my comfort.” She watches the town fade from view slowly and sniffs as Dayton watches her closely.
“It’s over now, how do you feel?” he asks softly.
“I’m not sure,” she glances at him and smiles. “Is it crazy? I’ve carried this for so long, and now I feel almost at a loss.”
“God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Dayton quotes 2 Timothy 4:7.
“That’s true Dayton, but we are human. I must admit I’m a little afraid of what the future might hold, but I won’t run from it. In fact, according to my brother, sometimes I run headlong into it.”
Dayton laughs, “Try not to do that while I’m responsible for your safety.”
“We’ll see, I won’t make a promise that I’m not sure I can keep,” she teases.
“A fact that has not gone unnoticed.” Sitting across from her he is well aware of the intimacy of the accommodations. Glancing over her beautifully pressed lavender dress and perfectly coifed hair, he finds he prefers the image of her riding at breakneck speed across a field.
“We should talk about our travel situation.” He clears his throat and Savannah is shocked to realize he’s worried about her reputation.
“Dayton…” she starts to say, but he holds up a hand.
“I’ve put you in a terrible position without thinking it through. If you’re in agreement, I thought we’d travel as cousins, to avoid any misunderstanding.”
“Cousins?” Savannah has learned to school her reaction through her years as a nurse. “Of course, Dayton. It’s very kind of you to think of my reputation.” She glances away and stares out the window.
“Excellent.” Dayton watches her face for any signs of emotion. He’s not sure whether to be upset or not. Confusion races through his body. He promised to get her safely back to her family. Not ruin her reputation because he can’t keep his hands and his mouth to himself. “If you are settled, I’m going to visit the Conductor. I’m hoping for a tour of the engine room.”
“Of course, I think I will take a nap.” She dismisses him without looking up and sighs in relief when he’s gone. “Cousins!” she huffs and jumps to her feet to pace in the small confines of the room. This is going to be a very long trip, she thinks. Two hours later and she is still fuming. Dayton seems to have forgotten she exists altogether.
The porter returns with a lunch tray for Savannah. She glances up in surprise, “Oh, I should wait for my cousin.” She starts to say.
“No, Miss Ward, he said to bring your lunch to you. He was lunching with guests in the dining car.”
“Oh, I see. Thank you.” George pulls out a tray for her and helps her settle with soup and biscuits.
“George is there a library on board?” Savannah asks when he turns to go.
“Yes, Miss. It’s in the parlor car. It isn’t for those with delicate sensibilities. I must warn you the parlor has a bar, card games, and loud music, it can get rowdy sometimes. If you’d like I could fetch a book for you.”
“Card games?” Savannah grins and nods at George. “Thank you for the warning, I think I’ll just enjoy my lunch and nap for now.”
“Excellent.” Savannah watches George leave and steps out into the aisle of the cabin. Eli’s promise floats through her mind. “Live,” she whispers. Suddenly, a nap is the last thing on her mind. Ten hours on a train, sitting alone and awkward conversation doesn’t sound nearly as exciting as a rousing game of cards.
Chapter 37
