Spectacles of Love (Spinster Orphan Train)

by Teresa Ives Lilly

  Abby’s eyes fell to the woman’s protruding stomach, and her own eyes lit up.

  “I’d like to come with you. I’ve always wanted to be part of a big family.” The woman’s eyes crinkled. She smiled and took Abby’s hand.

  Charlene was glad to see the father had selected Paul as well. She wondered if they would have enough room for so many children. She stepped forward to ask.

  “Yes, Miss. We have a big home, with lots of room. We knew we wanted to have a whole passel of children so we built a big enough house first.”

  Charlene accepted the statement and gave Abby a goodbye hug. She was glad God found the girl a large family.

  When the family left the stage, Charlene sighed. I won’t ever have a family of my own, Lord, all because I can’t see well.

  Just then, the Matron called for Charlene. The girl made her way carefully down the steps.

  “Yes, Matron?”

  “Miss Trumbel, it has come to my attention that you misled us.”

  Charlene cocked her head. “In what way?”

  “You assured Mr. McCully you could see just fine. But, it’s not true, is it?”

  Charlene’s hands clenched. “No, it’s not. But Andy has been helping me.”

  “That’s not good enough. I can’t take such a risk. Here is Mr. Jacobs. He has agreed to take you to meet a friend of his who sells spectacles. I don’t see why you haven’t gotten any before this, but if you want to continue on the trip with us, I insist you get a pair. I’m sure your father can afford them.”

  “But my father doesn’t want me to wear spectacles.”

  The Matron’s lips formed a grim line. “You needn’t worry about that. I will speak to him when we get back to New York and explain why I insisted on them. For now, go with Mr. Jacobs and take care of this.”

  The Matron turned and stalked out of the building with the remaining children following. Four had been taken by the farmers.

  Charlene stood alone, wondering what to do. She didn’t know where she should go.

  “Charlene?” Bronson’s voice startled her. She turned around. “I hope you aren’t upset with me for speaking to the Matron about your sight.”

  “I am upset. You had no right to interfere. Andy and I were doing fine. Now I can’t continue the trip.”

  “You can if you get spectacles.”

  “Yes, but my father doesn’t approve of them. Nor does my stepmother.”

  Bronson reached out and lifted her hand in his. “Your parents don’t understand what you are going through. Believe me, wearing spectacles will make your life so much nicer. If you don’t want to wear them in front of your parents, don’t.”

  Charlene’s shoulders sagged. “I have no choice now. I can’t make it back to New York alone, and to continue with the Orphan Train, I’ll have to get spectacles.”

  Bronson tucked her arm in the crook of his. “Just lean on me, and I’ll lead you. My friend owns a general store in town, but they have a nice selection of spectacles. I’m sure we can find something for you.”

  Charlene moved her feet, but her mind rebelled against the man’s highhandedness. When they reached the general store, Bronson opened the door and led her in. The room was not well lit so Charlene could hardly see anything at all.

  Bronson called out, “Mason, this here’s the lady I was telling you about.”

  Charlene’s head shot up. “You talked to him about me?”

  “Yes. I didn’t mean any harm. I just want to help you.”

  Charlene bit her lip to hold back her anger.

  Bronson guided her through the overstocked store to a table with a large glass case full of spectacles.

  “Just try them on ‘til you find some.”

  Bronson handed her a pair, which she fumbled, trying

  to slip on. There was no difference. She shook her head and handed them back. Bronson gave her another pair.

  After six tries, Charlene was feeling frantic.

  Lord, what if none of them work? What will I do? How

  will I get back home?

  Bronson must have noted her agitation. “Charlene, don’t worry. We will find you some that work.”

  He handed another pair to her, and she slipped them on. What happened then was unbelievable. Suddenly, the counter she was looking at grew clear. She could see the details of all the spectacles in front of her.

  “Oh, my.” Her voice fluttered. She looked up and turned around and around. She could see the entire room. She could read the signs, which indicted the prices of items, with no problem.

  Finally, her eyes rested on Bronson. She took two steps back. He was alarmingly handsome, with wavy brown hair and green eyes.

  “You can see?” Bronson asked.

  Charlene nodded. Her eyes filled, then tears began to slip down her cheeks. She brushed at them. “I don’t know why I’m crying.”

  Bronson pulled her into his arms and pressed a kiss on her forehead. “Because you’re experiencing a true miracle—one of God’s very own. He gave man the wisdom to create these spectacles.”

  “I can’t believe it.”

  Bronson smiled. “Let’s set those to the side and try on the rest. We want to make sure we get the best pair.”

  Charlene didn’t want to let them go, but she did.

  “I don’t see how anything could be better.”

  But, to her surprise, the final pair she put on made things even clearer than the others.

  Suddenly Charlene gasped. “I don’t have any money to buy these. The Matron didn’t give me money.”

  “I’ll take care of it.”

  “I’ll send you the money once I talk with my father. He’ll understand that it’s a debt.”

  “Do you want to wear them now?” He handed them to her, and she slipped them on.

  “Yes, it’s just too good to be true. To be able to see where I’m going, without needing help. I know I was angry at you, Bronson, but now all I can say is, thank you!”

  Chapter 9

  When they left the general store, the sun was bright, and Charlene felt slightly unsteady.

  “It will take some getting used to,” Bronson assured her. He slipped her arm in his again, and for the first time in her life, Charlene strolled down a street without bumping into anything.

  At the train, Bronson helped her up the steps, as a gentleman would do, not as someone who was giving aid to an invalid.

  She stepped into the compartment and could clearly see all the children. At first, they were busy talking, but one by one, they turned and noticed her.

  The group grew quiet, all of them staring at her spectacles.

  Andy moved forward, a frown furrowed his brow. “You got spectacles?”

  “Yes, Mr. Bronson helped me pick them out. I can see everything now.” She reached over and hugged Andy. “I can see what a handsome young man you are.”

  The boy’s shoulders sagged. “Guess you don’t need me now.” He scuffed his toe.

  Charlene leaned over and whispered, “I may not need you to guide me, but I still need you. I’ve come to trust your judgment with the other children. And besides, you are coming home with me, aren’t you?”

  Andy shrugged. “You sure you still want me?”

  “Yes. I’ll always want you. The only reason I would be willing to give you up is if you find a family on this trip you want to go with.”

  The boy’s head shook back and forth. “I’d rather stay with you.”

  “Good, then it’s all settled.”

  The others asked questions about her spectacles. She allowed the children to hold them and look through them.

  “I can’t see a thing; they make everything blurry,” one girl stated.

  “That’s because you can see. But for me, they make things clear. I’ve never been able to see anything unless I held it close to my face. Now I can see all the wonderful sites out the window as we travel to the next town.”

  Just then, the train began to move. Charlene got the children
all quieted and then slipped into a window seat and pressed her nose against the glass.

  As the train pulled away from the town, she was able to see the long, tall, swaying Kansas grass that seemed to go on for miles and miles.

  From time to time, there was a farmhouse in the distance, and she wondered what it would be like to live in such an isolated place.

  “Penny for your thoughts?” She turned when Bronson spoke, a huge grin on her face.

  “I’m having a marvelous time, just seeing things.”

  “But, there’s nothing out there but fields.”

  “Well, I’ve never seen a field before. Look at the flowers and the sky; it’s all so beautiful.”

  “Just like you,” Bronson lowered his voice.

  Charlene raised her face and stared at him. “How can you say that? I mean, with these spectacles, I’m sure I’m not very attractive.”

  “What makes you say that? At least now you aren’t squinting. That was not very attractive. I believe your spectacles are charming.”

  Charlene didn’t say anymore; she was sure he was just being kind. Her parents had made it clear that people who wore spectacles were not attractive.

  He’s such a gentleman.

  Bronson moved around the compartment, speaking to the children left on the train.

  Charlene relaxed, thinking about all the things she would like to do now that she could see. However, she knew her parents would object to her wearing the spectacles.

  I wish I could live on my own, Lord. Now that I can see, I could take care of myself. I don’t think writing for the newspaper will turn into a career. At least not in New York.

  Bronson returned and sat beside her.

  “Bronson, do women in Kansas ever live alone, or are they all married?”

  “Hmm, most of them are married, but a few women run their own businesses. It usually only happens if their husbands die.”

  Charlene sunk back. “Oh.”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “It’s just… Well, I don’t want to live with my parents. I love them, but I want a place of my own. Now that I can see, I’m sure I could find something to do, to make a living. But I believe they would be appalled if I tried to work in New York. I was wondering if I could find a job in Kansas.”

  “There isn’t anything in Independence, but Cherryvale might have some options for you. Let me think about it. Can you cook?”

  Charlene nodded. “Yes, our cook often taught me. It will be so much easier now.”

  “Can you sew?”

  “Not very well. But actually, I think now that I can see, that may change. At least I’ll try.”

  “Do you want to be a writer? Isn’t that what you told me you were doing on this train? We do have three newspapers in Cherryvale.”

  “That would be a dream come true, but would they hire a woman? I have no formal training.”

  “We can always ask. You remember, I live in Cherryvale so I’ll do anything I can to help you.”

  Charlene’s cheeks turned a pink hue. “I’m sure you have family and friends who need your attention.”

  “Not really. I keep to myself. I know just about everyone in town, but I have no immediate family, and I don’t socialize often. My business keeps me busy. I’d be very happy if you would settle in Cherryvale.” He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss on it.

  “What about me?” Andy, who must have been standing nearby and overheard their conversation, interrupted them.

  Charlene looked up at him. “Would you consider staying with me, in Cherryvale?”

  A myriad of feelings swept over the boy’s face.

  “But, I understand if you want to go back to New York. I did promise to take you back.”

  “Would I get to live with you if you stay in Cherryvale?”

  “Of course.”

  Bronson inserted a comment. “In Kansas, you could be more like a son to Miss Charlene; whereas in New York, you would have to work in the house as a servant.”

  “Do you want me to be your son?” Andy’s voice trembled.

  Charlene’s head bobbed up and down. “Yes. I’ve always dreamed of having children. You could go to school…”

  Andy frowned, and Bronson laughed.

  “It won’t be so bad. I think you’ll like it. I’ll help you.” He turned and gazed at Charlene. “It’s settled then. We’ll try to find you a job in Cherryvale!”

  ~

  The train stopped in Independence, and the children were lined up on a small stage inside a saloon. The Matron kept clucking her tongue in disapproval. There were six children left, and they were all nervous.

  Charlene happily moved from child to child, assuring them they would all find homes.

  The Matron acknowledged her spectacles with a nod.

  Independence was a smaller town, but four children were selected. Carl and Pete, two of the older boys, were chosen by farmers. Mary, an older girl, was adopted, and a family with two younger children adopted Deena. She was happy to have a younger sister. All the children seemed pleased with their prospective placements.

  The only two left were Donald and Denver. They were brothers, who were eight and nine. Up to now, the Matron allowed them to pass up being separated, but she did tell them if they weren’t chosen before the last town, they would have to accept being split up.

  Charlene was about to gather the two boys and head back to the train, but Bronson suggested a picnic at a nearby river.

  The Matron agreed since the train was not scheduled to leave for several hours. So Charlene, Andy, Bronson and the brothers all traipsed to the river.

  ~

  “This is lovely,” Charlene exhaled. “The air is so fresh.”

  “Yes, I love rivers. It’s so peaceful.”

  Charlene laughed. “I wouldn’t consider a picnic with two rambunctious boys very peaceful.”

  Bronson threw back his head and laughed.

  Charlene sighed inside. She wasn’t used to seeing any man’s face or features clearly, but Bronson was very handsome.

  “We better get back now.” She rose reluctantly and called for the children to gather around.

  The children’s cheeks were flushed, which only assured her that bringing orphans West was a good thing. She especially loved seeing the glow on Andy’s cheeks.

  “That was fun,” Andy’s voice was full of excitement.

  “Do we really have to leave

  Bronson patted the boy on the back. “I’m glad you

  enjoyed yourself. This is what living in Kansas is like.”

  Andy’s eyes lit up. “I’d like to live here then.” He sought Charlene’s face.

  “I’d like to live here, too.” She reached over and hugged him.

  Bronson clasped his hands behind his back and walked away whistling.

  Chapter 10

  From the train window, Cherryvale appeared on the horizon. Most of the buildings in the main part of town were made of bricks, which Bronson assured her were supplied by his brick factory.

  “We’ve even begun to build roads with brick,” he explained.

  Both Charlene and Andy could barely hold back their excitement. Soon they would be in Cherryvale, and perhaps, if God blessed them, Charlene would find a job.

  “What if you don’t find a job before the train heads back to New York?” Andy asked.

  “Bronson assured me we could stay in the hotel for a week. He will pay, and I can reimburse him once I get a job. I should be able to find something in a week.”

  “Especially now that you can see so well.” Andy bounced up and down beside her.

  Charlene’s eyes fell on the heads of the two brothers. She lifted up a prayer that they would find a home together in Cherryvale.

  As the train slowed, the Matron clapped her hands. Charlene asked the boys to stand. They were both very nervous. They held hands.

  “Now don’t worry. I’m sure there will be a home for you here.” Bronson assured the boys. “We are a g
rowing town. Remember, we even have a bicycle factory.”

  The boys’ eyes lit up. They couldn’t wait to see the bicycles Bronson had told them all about, especially the “Ordinary” with the large front wheel and small wheel in the back.

  The boys were led to a small church at the corner of the town. This time they reluctantly climbed up on stage. They refused to release one another’s hand.

  There were several families and a handful of farmers waiting to interview the children. When they saw how few children there were, several of them left without even speaking to Donald and Denver.

  A farmer looked them over but shook his head because they were too small.

  Charlene grew worried. She wondered if the boys would be adopted at all. The last family left the stage shaking their head.

  It was so obvious the boys would be miserable if parted, no one wanted to split them up.

  Andy leaned over. “They’re gonna have to go back to the orphanage.”

  Charlene slowly nodded her head. That meant she would have to return with them because she had agreed to help the Matron with the children the entire trip.

  Suddenly, the door flew open and a rather peculiar looking man came through the door. He looked around the room until his eyes landed on the two boys. A huge grin spread across his face.

  “There they are! Just the boys I’ve been looking for.” The man pointed at Donald and Denver.

  The door opened again, and a lovely woman glided in. She caught up to the man. Once again, he pointed at the boys.

  “There they are, Dora. Our sons! Didn’t I tell you they would be here?”

  The woman nodded up and down, tears beginning to fall on her cheeks. She rushed onto the stage, knelt in front of the boys then gathered them both in her arms.

  Charlene didn’t know what to say.

  The man stepped forward and stuck his hand out to Bronson.

  “Good to see you, Jacobs.”

  “Glad to see you, too, Meyers.” Bronson smiled.

  Charlene stared at the man.

  “Charlene, this is Jason Meyers and his wife.”

  Charlene allowed the man to shake her hand.