Spectacles of Love (Spinster Orphan Train)

by Teresa Ives Lilly

  “No, Andy. Go along. I’ll be fine.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m positive.”

  “Okay, then.” He turned and followed Bronson.

  Charlene waited a few minutes but wanted to see how things were going. She took a few steps, trying to get closer to the stage.

  “Umph.” Once again, she found herself kneeling over and pressing her bruised leg. This time, it was a small stool she’d tripped over.

  “Let me help you up,” Bronson’s voice called her attention away from the ache in her leg.

  She allowed him to take her hand and pull her to a standing position.

  Charlene smoothed her dress. “How clumsy I must seem to you. First tripping over your suitcase and now this stool.”

  “No, I don’t believe you are clumsy. It’s obvious that you are in need of spectacles. Do you own a pair and just refuse to wear them due to vanity?”

  Charlene coiled back as if slapped, but before she could answer, their conversation was interrupted by the Matron.

  “Miss Trumbel, can you please escort the children from the stage now? Those who have been chosen by families are already in line to fill out the paperwork. Just lead the rest back to the train.”

  Charlene nodded and once more cautiously made her way to the stage. This time, Andy met her and walked beside her.

  “Children, can you all follow us back to the train now?” Charlene pulled the children’s attention away from the line of families who had chosen a child to adopt.

  The group fell in line easily and quietly followed as Charlene and Andy led the way. Once again, Bronson brought up the rear.

  “Are there any babies left?” Charlene asked Andy.

  “Nope, poor things almost got torn apart by those women. Ten of 'em wanted babies.”

  “Did any of them take older children?”

  “A few, but for most, it was a baby or nothing. The Matron told them she would be back in a few months with another group of orphans.”

  Charlene shook her head. It seemed to her, if a woman wanted a child, age wouldn’t matter.

  Chapter 7

  The children were strangely quiet. Each one slipped into a seat on the train and sat without saying a word. After several minutes, Charlene heard a few snuffles and realized some of the children were crying.

  She walked down the aisle and stopped to speak to each child. All the babies were gone, and four others.

  “Deena, why are you crying?” Charlene sat beside the seven-year-old and pulled her into a hug.

  “I thought that nice lady who smelled like candy was going to take me home. But then she picked Carol ‘cause Carol’s younger than me.”

  “I’m sorry. I think God must have a better plan for you. That woman must have been who God wanted for Carol.”

  “Maybe…”

  “I’m sure of it. I’ll be praying for you to get just the right family.”

  “I’d like to have a baby sister. My Ma had a baby girl; she only lived a few days. I wanted to take care of her, but everyone told me I was too young. After she died, Ma brought me to the orphanage.”

  Charlene swallowed the lump in her throat.

  “You’re a brave girl. A family will be lucky to have you.”

  After a few more minutes, Charlene stood and moved on. Just then, Bronson entered the compartment. He immediately noted the boys who were on the verge of crying. He made his way over to them and began talking to them. She was sure he was giving them the comfort they needed.

  Finally, after speaking to all of the children, Charlene collapsed into her seat. Andy sat down beside her.

  “I’m sure glad I wasn’t one of the orphans up on stage today.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, besides getting angry about people checking my teeth, I would’ve been mad if I wasn’t chosen. These kids are all scared they won’t get chosen. They figure if they don’t get a family or get hired out, then the orphanage will toss them out.”

  Charlene shook her head. “No, that won’t happen.”

  “It will for the older boys. The orphanage won’t keep them once they turn sixteen.”

  Charlene looked surprised. “How do you know?”

  “Oh, Ron over there, the oldest boy. He’s fifteen. He told me. But he’s been in the orphanage for so long, I’m not sure he could make it out on the streets in New York.”

  Just then Charlene heard someone clear his throat. She looked up. It was Bronson.

  “I couldn’t help but overhear what Andy just said. I believe it is true. Several of the older boys spoke of it.”

  “Oh, I thought the older boys would be the most reluctant to get adopted or hired out.”

  “Perhaps they felt that way at first. I’m going back to my compartment. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?”

  Charlene remembered his earlier words about her eyesight. “No, thank you. We are capable.” Her voice sounded tight.

  Bronson moved away.

  “Why you being so mean to him?” Andy asked. “You told me we needed to be polite.”

  She hung her head slightly. Her behavior wasn’t very Christian like. She’d been embarrassed when he noted her need for spectacles.

  “You’re right. I was rude. I’m just tired; it was a long day. I hope we can all get some sleep tonight before we reach the next town.”

  Andy agreed.

  The following morning, the train slowed again and stopped in the town of Fredonia. The children were not as excited this time. Most of them either feared not getting chosen, or getting chosen for the wrong reason.

  “If anyone tries to check my teeth, I’m going to punch them,” Carl, one of the older boys, declared.

  Abby, a ten-year-old girl, sidled up to Charlene and whispered, “If a family wants me, do I have to go with them?”

  “That is the idea. But if you aren’t comfortable with it, just wave for me, and I’ll come. Then we can talk about it.”

  “I want to be part of a big family. Before Ma and Pa got the fever, they promised there was gonna be more kids.”

  Charlene hugged her. “We can pray and hope for the perfect family for you.”

  When the train stopped, Charlene once more made the children get in line. Their hair was combed. The children each wore a similar looking outfit, which the orphanage had provided, so they would look clean and attractive.

  Before they got off the train, Charlene found one girl pressed against the corner of her seat. She was crying.

  “What’s wrong, Susan?”

  “I miss my brother,” the girl sniffed.

  “Your brother?”

  “Yes, they wouldn’t let him come with me. He’s kind of sickly.”

  Just then, the Matron walked passed. “Miss Trumbel, why isn’t Susan in line?”

  “She seems concerned about her brother. She says that he was left behind?”

  “Yes. He wasn’t healthy. We only send healthy children on the trains.”

  Charlene stepped away from Susan and lowered her voice. “But surely they could have been adopted together?”

  “Hardly. It is rare a family will take two children. Most brothers and sisters are parted during these trips. It’s actually easier that Susan left him behind at the orphanage. She at least will know where he is and can write to him. If he were on the train, they might be adopted out to different families, in different towns, and never see one another again.”

  Charlene stared at the woman in horror. Then, finally gulped and nodded, “I see.” She turned back and encouraged Susan to join the other children. She promised if Susan were adopted, she would give the family the orphanage address so she could write to her brother.

  ~

  In Fredonia, the Matron led the group to a small opera house. There the children were lined up on the stage and the prospective families began to look them over.

  This time, Charlene stood on stage, listening to the questions the people asked the children. There were a few which c
aused her anger to rise, especially those farmers looking for free workhands.

  Andy stayed close to Charlene.

  “There’s Mr. Jacobs. He just came in with a couple.”

  Charlene squinted but then dropped her eyes. She didn’t want to appear to be interested. However, Bronson joined her on the stage, the couple not far behind.

  Bronson spoke. “Charlene, I want you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Peterson.”

  Charlene turned, a bit surprised. “Hello.”

  The couple smiled.

  “The Petersons had a young son, who tragically passed away several years ago.”

  “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  “I thought… well, do you think they’d be a good match for John?”

  The couple looked at Charlene eagerly.

  Charlene hesitated. “John believes his mother is coming back to the orphanage to get him. I’m not sure he will be very agreeable to going with anyone.”

  “Yes, at first. But I believe they will dote on him and take such good care of him, after a time, he may accept the facts better than if he were to end up somewhere, shall we say, less comfortable.”

  Mrs. Peterson stepped forward, “Bronson told us about John. We agreed to come meet him, but if he really doesn’t want to go with us, we understand.”

  “Did you plan to adopt a child today?” Charlene asked.

  “No, we are Bronson’s friends. When the train arrived in town, he sought us out and told us about John. That’s why we are here.”

  Charlene smiled at Bronson. “That was kind of you. I think you should take them over and introduce them to John. You did promise him a nice life on a farm.”

  Bronson led the couple across the stage, and they all sat down with the boy.

  “That Bronson sure is a nice guy,” Andy’s words interrupted her own similar thoughts.

  “Miss, you better go see Abby. She looks upset.”

  Charlene allowed Andy to lead her to the girl. There was a haggard looking woman standing beside her.

  “Is there a problem?” Charlene asked. Abby slipped behind Charlene.

  “I want this girl, but she says she won’t come with me.”

  Charlene didn’t like the looks of the woman.

  “I told her I need a strong girl. I own a nice laundry business in town. I’d even pay her a bit. But she keeps saying no. Is she allowed to do that?”

  “I’m sorry, but yes she is. We usually hope the children will be happy with their placements.” Charlene knew she was telling a falsehood, but she couldn’t help herself.

  “Aside from that, we are looking for homes for these children. Would you allow her to attend school and church?”

  “Shucks, no. I need a worker. I’d feed her good though.”

  “I’m sorry, but no, she cannot go with you then.”

  Just then, the girl standing beside Abby spoke up. “I’m fourteen. I’m strong. I don’t need to go to school. I’m willing to come and work for you if you promise to pay me.”

  The woman turned her eyes away from Abby, and she and the girl quickly slipped off the stage.

  Charlene wanted to interfere again, but Andy grabbed her hand and pulled her away.

  “But, Andy. That woman is awful.”

  “No, you don’t have to worry. That’s Carla. She’s only been at the orphanage a year. I knew her when she lived on the streets. She’s tough. She can handle that woman, and she’ll be happy to get good food and money.”

  “Are you sure?” Charlene bit her bottom lip.

  “Yep. She wouldn’t like living on a farm. She’ll be happier in town.”

  Charlene sighed and allowed the girl to be led to the adoption table with the gruff woman.

  Just then, Bronson and the Petersons walked up to Charlene. Mrs. Peterson was holding John’s hand.

  “It looks like we’ve found a nice place for John,” Bronson stated.

  Charlene glanced down at the small boy. He smiled shyly. “Just 'til Mam can take care of me.”

  Charlene bent over and gathered the boy in her arms. “I’m so glad. They seem like a nice couple.”

  John whispered in her ear. “They’re sad because they had a boy who died. I’m gonna try and make them happy again.”

  Charlene kissed him and watched as the new little family walked away.

  When she stood, Bronson was still standing there.

  “That was very kind, Bronson.”

  “I’ve been trying to figure out a way to help them get over their grief. That’s part of why I was so interested in the Orphan Train.”

  Charlene cocked her head. “Any other reason?”

  “Because of you.” His voice lowered.

  “Me? Why because of me?”

  Bronson didn’t get a chance to answer because the Matron clapped her hands and the children, still on the stage, quietly lined up beside Charlene.

  Charlene squinted, trying to count the children, but she couldn’t see clearly past the sixth one. Bronson frowned.

  “I’ll meet you on the train.” He turned and stalked away.

  Charlene wondered what had upset him.

  She and Andy led the children back to the train, where they were once again given a small, boxed lunch provided by the town.

  The train wasn’t scheduled to leave right away, but Charlene wondered if Bronson got back on or not. However, a few minutes later, she saw his large frame fill the doorway.

  He took time to speak with each child again. This time there weren’t any tears, but a few of the children did feel rather let down.

  Charlene was glad Susan had been adopted by a pleasant looking couple who promised to let her write to her younger brother. They even hinted about trying to send for him once he was well.

  “That was a nice town,” Paul, a twelve-year-old boy stated. “I wanted to stay there.”

  Bronson ruffled his hair. “Elk City is next. That’s a nice place, too. There is a sawmill, a brick yard, a wagon factory, and another factory that makes bed springs.”

  The boy’s mouth gaped open in awe.

  “But, I’d rather see all of you living outside of the cities, on farms.”

  “I’ve never seen a farm. What they got on farms?” another boy asked.

  “Hmm, cows and chickens, horses and pigs. Lots of land to run around on. Fresh air…”

  “What’s a cow?” one girl asked.

  “What’s a pig look like?” another boy asked.

  Bronson wasn’t sure how to answer. He moved closer to Charlene.

  “They’ve never seen books with these animals in them. Remember, these children live in an orphanage,” she whispered.

  Bronson nodded again then turned and rushed off the train.

  “What’d you say to him?” Andy asked, in a rather accusatory voice.

  Charlene sat up straight. “I didn’t say anything to him.”

  “Why’d he run off then? What if he misses the train?”

  “I’m sure I don’t know. He is an adult, and I’m certain he won’t miss the train.”

  Andy stared out the window, worry etched across his brow. Finally, just as the train began to puff and move, Bronson jumped back on the steps and entered the compartment.

  He held up a book and shouted, “I’ve got a book here with pictures of farm animals.”

  The children all clustered around him, but he made them all return to their seats, promising that once the train got moving he would come around and show everyone the pictures.

  The children all sat, but their eyes followed Bronson. Even Andy kept his eyes glued to the book in the man’s hand.

  Chapter 8

  When the train stopped in Elk City, Charlene moaned inside. She was tired of sitting on the hard bench seats, and sleeping on them was even worse. She longed to take a brisk walk, but in these strange towns, she couldn’t risk falling over things.

  Since seeing the picture book about farms, all the children were excited to be adopted. Charlene could hardly keep them from j
umping off the train.

  The Matron once more went ahead to find out where the prospective families would be. When she returned, she wasn’t very happy.

  Miss Trumbel, please only line up the children ten and older.”

  Charlene was taken aback. “But, why?”

  The newspaper ad was printed wrong. It specifically stated the children we were bringing were all older than ten. So, there are a small handful of farmers looking for helpers.”

  “Goodness. Are you sure we should take any of the children then?”

  The Matron straightened. “Yes. The older children have been told that farmers would probably take them to work. Please line them up.”

  Charlene stood in front of the compartment of children and explained what happened.

  “So, for now, you younger children will stay here on the train. I expect you all to sit in your seats quietly until we return.”

  Heads nodded, but the room was quiet.

  The older children stood and moved into line. Charlene could feel their excitement.

  Andy followed the Matron; Charlene followed Andy.

  As soon as they reached the building and got the children on stage, Charlene sent Andy back to watch over the little ones. She was a bit surprised not to see Bronson.

  There were several farmers looking over the children, but Charlene was worried about Abby. She’d been able to keep the girl from being adopted out at the previous town, but she wasn’t sure she would have much say today.

  Charlene stood near Abby and watched. The farmers passed her by. They were looking for boys. Each time she was passed up, Charlene let out a small breath.

  Finally, a woman and man stepped in front of Abby. They asked her several questions. Abby answered quietly. Charlene stepped closer and listened.

  The woman turned and pointed at a row of four young children sitting on the front row. “Those are my little ones. I told my husband he could get a boy to help on the farm if I could get a girl to help me.”

  Abby glanced at the children. “Will I be allowed to go to school and church?”

  “Yes. I’m not looking for someone to do all the work. I just need an extra pair of eyes to help me with the little ones. They are always getting into mischief, and I’ve got another due in a few months.”