[2016] The Precious Amish Baby

by Faith Crawford

  She would then head to the train station and purchase a ticket to California for herself. With any luck, she would land somewhere near Stephen. Maybe he hadn’t moved on after all. Or maybe he was close by. She didn’t know what supplies he was picking up but it certainly seemed like a nuisance to go clear across the nation to buy something.

  It took her most of the morning to load everything into the buggy. She had to stop several times to tend to Andrew, who fussed quietly whenever he was hungry or needed his nappy changed. She wiped him down with a washcloth and smiled when he shuddered. He was a cute little boy. She was going to fall in love with his sweet little face, she just knew it. It would be hard to give him up to his father, she knew. But it was also the right thing to do.

  And for all she knew, Stephen would not be willing or capable of taking care of him.

  “Never fear, Andy,” she whispered, when those thoughts crossed her mind. “I will never leave you. I will never intentionally leave you.”

  She had to clarify it. Deborah hadn’t meant to leave him. But Stephen had. Even the concept of having a baby had not kept him in town. She hoped that what he was doing was important. Because otherwise it just wouldn’t be right. And she would most likely have to tell him that.

  ***

  The train station was full of people. She wondered how many of them were going clear across the nation to California. She was going to miss Virginia. She loved the green nature, the rolling hills and the clear night sky filled with millions of stars. She’d spent plenty of nights staring out at them when she was a little girl, wondering what they were and if people lived on them like they did on earth.

  She maneuvered around the people and stood in a short line to buy her ticket. The clerk gave her a small slip of paper and asked her if she had any luggage. She confirmed that she did and he gave her another ticket and told her to go to one of the other booths and speak to an attendant who would help her unload her things onto a rolling cart. He would tag all of her things with a ribbon and her name so that she could reclaim them when she got to California.

  Elisabeth was glad he wasn’t questioning why a clearly Amish young woman was heading to California. She didn’t want to explain herself. It occurred to her that he might think she was running away with a new baby in tow, one that was born out of wedlock. But she didn’t care. She just wanted to find Stephen and secure Andrew in a good place. In the meantime, she would take care of the situation. She had already steeled herself in the preparation of danger and the unknown.

  ***

  The train rumbled along at a steady pace. Andrew continued to sleep peacefully, only waking up for a short period of time to let her know he was hungry again. She had prepared several bottles of baby formula to give him before they had left. If she’d calculated it correctly, she would have one extra bottle by the time they reached California.

  As they went, the train began to empty. It stopped several times along the way. Elisabeth grew tired at one point and, when the passenger beside her left, she pulled her legs up and laid her head down, stretching out for a short nap. Andrew was in the basket in front of her on the floor. She rested her hand on his tiny arm, her index finger laid over his chest. It comforted her to feel his breath coming and going.

  It was the train that woke her an hour later. The whistle blew loudly and it began to slow down for the stop. She blinked, sat up and rubbed her eyes with her hands. She looked down at Andrew. His eyes were open but he was quiet. She smiled at him. He just blinked back at her. That made her giggle. She couldn’t wait until he was smiling and laughing too.

  There were only two other passengers getting off at her stop in California. Compared to the station in Virginia, this one was nearly vacant. She stepped off the train onto a long wooden platform and headed straight for the building, her luggage ticket clutched in her hand.

  After she had informed the clerk that she was there and given him her name, she sat on a bench near the door, placing Andrew on the seat next to her. Once again, she rested her hand on the side.

  She looked around, forcing herself to be patient. After all, where was she going from here? The letters from Stephen had given no particular address for her to go to. In fact, she had no destination after here. She would have to set up in the nearest hotel. That was her only option.

  “Miss Harrington?” A man approached her, startling her.

  “No,” she said. “That is not my name.”

  “You are not Elisabeth Harrington?” the man asked, looking worried.

  She frowned. “That is my first name. But it is not my last name.”

  “Are you here to meet with Theodore Porter?”

  “This name means nothing to me.” She shook her head. “I don’t know who he is or who you are. Do you know Stephen Baker?”

  The man looked crestfallen. “Oh dear. I don’t think she’s coming.”

  “Who is the woman you are looking for?” Elisabeth’s curiosity took over.

  “She was supposed to meet me here and go to meet with Theodore Porter. To be his bride. It was arranged through our agency. I think she may have changed her mind, because it has been several hours and she is not here.”

  “What is your agency?”

  “We arrange marriages for men who are looking to bring a bride from the East. There are not very many women here and some men are wealthy and do not want to marry the women who are here.”

  “Oh, my.” Elisabeth raised her eyebrows. “Was the woman you are looking for also from an Amish community?”

  The man looked confused. “No.”

  “Then why would you assume it was me? Do I not wear the garments properly?” She gave him an amused smile so he would know she was teasing him.

  He blinked a few times and then smiled back at her. “I apologize.”

  She shook her head. “It’s quite all right.”

  “Are you meeting someone here?”

  She paused. “As a matter of fact, I am not. I have come to the West to search for my sister’s husband, who is working out here. He is a salesman picking up supplies for the town near my community. His name is Stephen Baker. Do you know him?”

  The agent shook his head. “I’m sorry to say that I don’t. My name is Connor Ward.” He held out his hand for her to shake. She hesitated just for a moment before taking it. “If you have nowhere to go…perhaps you would consider taking this assignment?”

  She opened her eyes wide. “Marrying a stranger? Sir, I don’t know if I can do that.”

  “There would be a period of courting first to make sure it is a good match. I would rather not disappoint this client. He is wealthy and highly regarded here.”

  “Oh?” Elisabeth said. An idea formed in her mind. If she could convince him to help her search for Stephen, it might be a blessing in disguise. And she wouldn’t be marrying him right away. Perhaps he wouldn’t even want to marry her once he found out about her background.

  “Will you consider it? I can take you there now.”

  “I have a newborn baby to care for. Is that going to be a problem?”

  Mr. Ward looked around her to the basket. He shook his head. “I don’t think it will be a problem. Mr. Porter is a very accommodating and friendly sort. And he has plenty of room.”

  She hesitated. “Well, I suppose I could give it a try.”

  The look on Mr. Ward’s face told her all she needed to know. She had answered his prayer.

  Chapter Seven

  Elisabeth was impressed with the large house and the surrounding land that went with it. As they pulled up to the front porch, her stomach grumbled loudly and she blushed.

  “You must be hungry,” Mr. Ward said. She gave him an amused look. “I’m sure that Mr. Porter will be more than happy to have something fixed for you right away.” He smiled at her.

  “Is he expecting us?”

  “He was expecting me and the young lady hours ago. I sent a messenger to let him know that she – you – was delayed.”

  “Are y
ou going to tell him that I am not the one he originally asked for? I assume he’s been corresponding with her at least a little bit.”

  “Yes, I’m assuming he has, as well. I will tell him that you were not the original lady I was to pick up. She didn’t have any children, anyway. So he will be curious about that. What is your child’s name?”

  “His name is Andrew. Andrew Baker. He is my nephew. My sister died in childbirth. That’s why I am searching for her husband, Andrew’s father. Stephen.”

  Mr. Ward nodded. “I see. I think you will be quite welcome, though.”

  “I do hope so.”

  Mr. Ward jumped down from the covered wagon and rounded it to give her his hand. She picked up the baby basket and secured it firmly on her right arm before giving her left hand to Mr. Ward. He helped her down. They walked to the steps and went up together.

  The porch was flanked by two of the largest pillars Elisabeth had ever seen. The porch was not wood but was instead some kind of granite tile. There were two double doors to lead into the house.

  “He is indeed quite wealthy.”

  “Yes. One of the wealthiest in this area of California.”

  “How did he come by his riches?”

  “He was a gold miner. I believe he owns three of the largest gold mines in this state, and they are still being mined.”

  “Oh, my.”

  “Yes, he has done quite well for himself. You will have to ask him to tell you his story sometime. He likes to tell it. He was with his father when he was just a teenager and they did not have a lot of money until they found the first mine. It was almost like a miracle from heaven, and then to find two more, well, it was just an amazing thing to encounter. When he tells the story, it’s almost like you are there with him. He’s a wonderful storyteller.”

  “I look forward to talking to him.”

  Mr. Ward lifted the heavy knocker and let it fall twice. The sound reverberated through the large house. Elisabeth was once again impressed. She hoped it wouldn’t take long for someone to answer the door because she was growing faint from hunger. She had been too preoccupied to get anything from the dining car on the long train ride over. She’d concentrated more on giving Andrew his feeding than feeding her own stomach. When it growled again, she put her hand on it and blushed.

  “I guess I am hungrier than I thought.”

  Mr. Ward shook his head. “I should have stopped to get you a sandwich in town. Shame on me. I apologize.”

  She smiled at him. “It’s all right. I just hope that Mr. Porter will not mind having something made for me. Just a sandwich and some soup would do if he can.”

  Mr. Ward chuckled. “I am sure he can.” He was just about to lift the heavy knocker again when the doorknob clicked and the door swung open to reveal a man in a black suit. He nodded at Mr. Ward and Elisabeth.

  “Sir. The master is expecting you. Please follow me. Good evening.” He added the last greeting looking at Elisabeth. She smiled at the older man. She got a good feeling from him and thought they were sure to be fast friends.

  “Good evening,” she replied.

  He smiled and turned away. Mr. Ward held out his hand to indicate she should walk before him and he took up the rear. Her eyes widened when she saw the interior of the mansion. The floor was polished tile. There were tables with silk coverings, flowers and other decorations sitting on top, huge paintings and mirrors placed strategically on the walls and, through the open double doors to her right, she could see shelves upon shelves lined with many, many books.

  She sucked in a quick breath. “A library!” she breathed. She glanced over her shoulder at Mr. Ward to show her appreciation and he grinned widely, nodding.

  Her first thought was that Andrew deserved to be raised in this type of luxury. After losing his mother before he even had a chance to lay eyes on her, he deserved all the riches in the world. Elisabeth’s soft shoes made no sound as she followed the butler through the wide front room and down the slightly narrower hallway to one of the back rooms, but her tiny squeaks of admiration were heard by both the butler and Mr. Ward. A quick glance at the butler’s profile showed he was amused by it.

  She silently wished they were meeting in the library. She had forgotten her hunger when she saw all the books. She wanted to read every last one of them.

  The butler opened a new pair of double doors, swinging both of them open as if he were entering with a large crowd of people behind him.

  “Mr. Porter. Your guests have arrived.”

  Theodore Porter was sitting in a high-backed, tan couch with his legs crossed and a newspaper open in front of his face. He dropped the paper and looked over it at them.

  Elisabeth’s first thought was that she truly hoped he was as nice as Mr. Ward had said he was. He was very handsome. His dark hair was graying at the temples and he had a rugged, strong face with bright blue eyes. His smile was warm and welcoming. Elisabeth knew there had to be plenty of women who were biting at the bit for a chance with this wealthy man.

  He stood up, throwing his newspaper to the side.

  “Well, I feel like I’ve been waiting a million years,” he chuckled, walking over to them. He was dressed in jeans, a button up plaid shirt and leather cowboy boots with a shiny metal piece at the toe. Elisabeth hoped she wasn’t staring.

  He stopped in front of her and held out his hand. She set Andrew on the ground and gave him her hand, which he brought to his lips. She blushed.

  “Hello, Elisabeth,” he said in a friendly tone.

  “Hello,” she replied. “Mr. Porter.”

  “Teddy. Please call me Teddy. If we are someday to be married, you can’t go around calling me Mr. Porter, now, can you?”

  She giggled. “No, I suppose not.”

  “Mr. Porter, this is not the Elisabeth you have been writing to,” Mr. Ward said. “She is a different girl, a woman whom I found at the train station.”

  The look on Mr. Porter’s face changed slightly as confused thoughts ran through his head. He continued to hold her hand but looked at her strangely. “That seems very bizarre to me.”

  “It was very bizarre,” Mr. Ward admitted. “Her first name is also Elisabeth. But the young lady I was to pick up did not show. And Miss Elisabeth here, well, she is here searching for her brother-in-law and has no accommodations. I explained the situation and she agreed to come and…I…I hope it was alright to assume that you would take her in and perhaps she would do as a potential bride instead?”

  Mr. Porter never released her hand. He stood back a little, holding it up in the air, and seemed to survey her from head to toe. He smiled. “You look like a decent woman. You are Amish in your background?”

  She was surprised. “Yes, sir.”

  He shook his head. “No ‘sir’ either. Please. Teddy.”

  “I’m sorry. Teddy.”

  “That’s better. And who is this little one?”

  “This is my nephew, Andrew. My sister died giving birth to him. I am here searching for his father, who traveled out here on business.”

  Teddy’s face became thoughtful as he looked down at the sleeping child.

  Just then, Elisabeth’s stomach growled loudly a third time. Teddy’s eyes snapped up to hers and she blushed furiously.

  “It sounds like someone is hungry,” Teddy laughed. “Let’s get you a sandwich, shall we? Is there anything else you would like with it? Some lemonade? Tea perhaps? Some soup?”

  “Tea and soup would be lovely. Thank you so much…Teddy.”

  Chapter Eight

  After Mr. Ward collected his payment, he went outside to unload all of Elisabeth’s belongings. Teddy sent out two of his house assistants, as he called them, to help the man.

  He sat in the kitchen with Elisabeth and the cook while she ate. The cook was an older woman named Ethel. She had been working with the family since they had come into their fortune. She sat across the table from Teddy and Elisabeth, watching with a satisfied smile as Elisabeth sipped her vegetable soup and
then devoured it as if she had not eaten for days.

  “This is absolutely delicious,” she said, wiping her mouth with the napkin.

  “Thank you, my dear.” Ethel looked at Teddy. “All right, young man. I’m heading to bed. You try not to stay up all night chatting with your dear lady now.”

  “Aww, but ma…” Teddy laughed loudly. “I’ll do my best, Ethel. Now you get some rest. Thank you for staying up and making this for Elisabeth.”

  “It was my pleasure.” Ethel turned a warm smile to Elisabeth. “Welcome to the family, my girl. We are glad to have you and your little one here.”

  Elisabeth felt like crying. The woman’s eyes were wrinkled and old, but they were as kind as they could be. She had never been anywhere that had received her with such loving acceptance. She tried to keep tears from coming to her eyes but didn’t succeed. She lowered her head. When Ethel saw what had happened, she quickly rounded the table and put her two thin arms around Elisabeth, who lifted one hand in return and rested her head on Ethel’s thin shoulder.

  “Aww, dear, you are a sweetie. It’s going to be all right. I promise.”

  Elisabeth let a tear or two slide from her eyes and accepted the hug from the old cook.

  “All right, now I’m heading off.” Ethel touched one of Andrew’s cheeks and the little boy’s closed eyes fluttered. “Such a little munchkin. A little cupcake, that’s what he is. So tiny.”

  Teddy and Elisabeth watched her leave. Elisabeth picked up the remaining half of her ham sandwich and took a big bite from it, following it up with a swallow of iced tea.

  “You didn’t eat on the train, I take it?”

  Elisabeth shook her head. “I didn’t. I don’t know why. I was just stressed, I guess. I needed to eat. I just didn’t. I wanted to make sure Andrew was safe and fed.”

  “You have to take care of yourself, too, Liz. I will help you with that.”

  She liked the way he shortened her name so naturally, just like her sister and Rosie had. Thinking of Rosie made her feel a little homesick. She hadn’t had a chance to even say goodbye to the girl. She had to be wondering what had happened to Elisabeth. She made a silent vow to write to Rosie the first chance she got.