Orphan Train Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 4

by Wendy May Andrews

  Then there was the heavy clomp of someone going back up the stairs carrying their family’s water. Melanie needed to bestir herself and do the same. It was the last time she would have to do it, she reminded herself with a grin. While she was certain there would be effort required in fetching water in Missouri, she was determined that she would never again live on the fourth floor of a five-storey building. The heat and the odors always rose unpleasantly, especially in the summer. And having to go all the way down to the courtyard to relieve nature or fetch water was not something she wanted to continue doing for the rest of her life.

  Blinking the vivid memory away, Melanie smiled at Annie. “I think I will agree with you, my dear. I love that cheerful sound in the morning, too. We should find out if that particular bird has a name so we can be certain of what our favorite is called.”

  Annie grinned back at her, pleased with the adult’s reaction.

  “I have a favorite,” Mr. Miller interjected, gaining him all the females’ attention.

  Melanie smiled when she noticed his cheeks coloring. She prompted him. “What is it?”

  “The red fox, even though he will eat the chicks if I’m not careful.”

  Melanie was surprised. “Why would he be your favorite if he might eat some of your animals?”

  “I think I’m like my daughter — I just want to pet him.” He chuckled softly. “Have you ever seen a fox up close?” When both Melanie and Annie shook their heads vigorously, he elaborated. “Their red coat looks so thick and soft, I would love to sink my fingers into it and then scratch him behind the ears. And then there’s the fact of how smart they seem to be. Wiley, you might say. The length I’ve had to go to keep the chicks safe, gives me a certain level of respect for the sneaky little creatures.”

  All the girls laughed along with him, except Leandra who was glowering by herself, silently observing them as they conversed. Finally, Melanie had reached the end of her tolerance and stood to take their leave.

  “It was pleasant visiting with the three of you for a few minutes. Thank you for the tea and for allowing us a bit of time with the puppies. Annie and I ought to be on our way. We shall see you again soon, to be sure.”

  Melanie could see the understanding shining in Mr. Miller’s eyes, and she almost faltered in her determination to leave. She felt terrible about leaving him to deal with his situation on his own, but she reminded herself that it was his situation to deal with. Perhaps he wasn’t even looking for her help or sympathy, she reminded herself. He was just a kind man who had a terrible circumstance to deal with, and he understood that she didn’t want to deal with it. There was nothing so terrible in that, was there? She kept her face as neutral as possible as she herded Annie from the room while saying their goodbyes.

  On the walk home, she was glad that Annie was so energetically occupying herself because Melanie wasn’t going to be of much company. Her mind had remained behind at the Millers’ place. She thought back to the terrible situation she had lived through herself. Becoming the woman of the house at the age of ten had been more than she could handle, but she had managed. Her sister and brother were healthy and reasonably happy. For that she was grateful. The blame for the fact that she had become so fearful of everything rested solely on her own shoulders. She shouldn’t have allowed it to come to this, but she was proud of herself for braving the huge change of leaving New York and moving to Missouri.

  She had never told Katie the details of her situation and that sweet woman, having issues of her own to cope with, had never pressed her, merely picking up the slack of what she could or could not handle. Melanie would walk through fire for her friend. And at times, taking her friend’s daughter out in public felt like walking through fire, but she was managing, and she was quite sure she wasn’t projecting her issues onto Annie, which was her deepest fear. That poor child would have her own emotional baggage to live with given her background; she didn’t need Melanie’s issues besides.

  “Miss Melanie?”

  “Yes, my dearest Annie?”

  “Do you think Mama Kate will have a baby if she marries the doctor?”

  Melanie’s heart sank. She didn’t want to be the one to talk to Annie about her mother’s potential marriage or the consequences of what that marriage might mean for Annie. But there was no one else about, and the child needed to be answered.

  “It’s quite possible. Do you think you would like a little brother or sister?”

  Annie wrinkled her nose as she pondered the question. “I think it would be lovely to have brothers and sisters again. But maybe Mama Kate would love a baby more than me.”

  Melanie had wondered if that’s where this conversation was leading. But she couldn’t let the moment pass. She stopped in her tracks and knelt down in front of Annie, not heeding the dirt and what it might do to her skirts. Taking the little girl’s hands firmly into her grasp, she looked Annie in the eye and reassured her.

  “Your mama loves you from the very bottom of her heart. Nothing will ever change that. Not even if she has ten babies. I promise you, truly. Your mother is loyal and true. And she has enough love in her heart and soul for many children.”

  The little girl looked somewhat mollified by Melanie’s words but not completely reassured, so Melanie continued questioning the child’s reasons for asking.

  “Are you worried about the fact that you’re adopted?”

  Annie nodded vigorously. “She hasn’t known me all my life.”

  “Do you really think that matters?” Melanie wanted to understand where the child was coming from.

  “I don’t know.” Annie’s answer was glum.

  “Has anyone said something to you to make you think like this?”

  The guilt on the child’s face made Melanie’s heart sink.

  “Was it at school?” She kept her voice gentle even though she wanted to smack someone. How could children be so cruel?

  Annie’s nod was almost imperceptible. Melanie struggled to reassure the child.

  “Do you truly believe your mama loves you?”

  Annie shrugged but gave a small nod. Melanie couldn’t really fault the poor girl; she had been through a lot in her young life.

  “I truly believe she does,” Melanie assured her. “I think you should try to talk to her about this. I know for sure she wouldn’t want you to be afraid to talk to her about anything. And you know what? It’s not even for sure that she’ll marry the doctor, anyway.”

  The hopeful look on the little girl’s face made Melanie’s stomach hurt. She didn’t want to encourage Annie to think the couple might not last, so she changed the subject slightly.

  “When a mama has a new baby, the baby needs a lot of attention at first. You probably realize that, right?” Annie’s puzzled face made her explain further. “Remember the first time we saw the puppies?” This brought a grin to Annie’s solemn face. “What did you notice about them?”

  “They were really little.”

  “Right. What else? Could they move very fast or look after themselves?”

  Vigorous head shaking followed this. “No, they could only crawl over each other, and they were all trying to get to their mama so they could eat.”

  “Exactly. And human babies can’t even crawl when they’re born. It takes them months before they can. So, the human mother has to do everything for the baby. Just like puppies, human babies are really cute, and the mother loves them, so she does everything for the baby. But they aren’t really all that interesting. Even though mamas sing to their babies and even talk to them, they can’t have a conversation like you and I are having. So, if your mama has more babies in the future, she’ll still love you and want you around. You could be a really big help for her if there are babies, you know.”

  Not that Melanie really wished that on the little girl, but she knew it was the natural way of things. And she was sure the poor child wouldn’t be put in the same position Melanie had been when her mother died after giving birth to her little brother
. Melanie was completely sure that Katie would be able to balance a baby with showing attention to her growing daughter.

  “That might be fun.” The child sounded uncertain, but at least she was willing to see a better side to the possibilities.

  “Since there’s no use worrying about it at this point, since your mama has only just started courting with the doctor so any babies are still a long way off, let us turn our minds to something much more interesting,” Melanie declared in as droll a voice as she could manage.

  It did the trick. The little girl burst into giggles.

  “Like what?” Annie asked between her laughter.

  “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m starving! Are you even a teensy bit hungry?”

  Vigorous nodding was the only answer she got as the little girl was still dissolving in laughter.

  “I think we should have mashed potatoes and fried eggs for supper. What do you think?”

  “Sounds delicious.”

  “And maybe some of the bread and cookies we made earlier would go well with it.”

  “M’hmm.”

  They continued the rest of the way home, skipping and laughing. But Melanie was troubled and determined to speak to her friend about her child’s concerns.

  Chapter Nine

  "O h Melanie, I’m sorry that you had to deal with that.” Katie was stricken.

  “I’m not telling you to make you feel badly, Kate, I promise you.”

  “No, of course not, but I do none the less.”

  Melanie couldn’t help smiling over her words, not over the situation. “I guess I can understand why. But while I do think you need to have a conversation with Annie about your possible future, I don’t think she’s as troubled now as she was before she and I talked.” They were silent for a moment before Melanie continued. “My biggest concern is what the other children seem to be saying to her. I was too busy reassuring her of her place in your heart that I forgot to get more details about what some little monster might have said to her.”

  Katie chuckled over her friend’s words. “I don’t think the children are monsters.”

  “Well I do, if they’re going to make our Annie feel unsettled,” Melanie interrupted, causing Katie to laugh some more.

  “While I’m delighted that you are taking your role as honorary aunt to my daughter so seriously. You have to watch that you don’t become too ferocious in your protective stance. Perhaps she misunderstood or jumped to conclusions based on some other child’s fears. You never know, maybe one of the other children has a new baby brother or sister and is feeling misplaced. One thing could lead to another. You know how children’s minds jump to the most convoluted places sometimes.”

  Melanie had to force herself to see what Katie was saying. “I guess you’re right. But I can empathize with Annie’s fears, and it might’ve made me a little overprotective.”

  “Maybe a little,” Katie agreed with a dry tone, making Melanie finally join in the laughter.

  “Oh very well, I am a she-bear when it comes to the children in my care. That is as it should be. But never mind about that for now. I’ve told you, now it’s your responsibility. But nothing can be done about it now, so you absolutely must tell me all about your excursion with the good doctor. I still cannot believe how quickly you have made an about face from loathing the man to being all starry eyed about him.”

  Melanie felt a stab of envy as her friend’s smile turned secretive, even though Katie laughed at her words. “I wouldn’t say I loathed the man.”

  At Melanie’s raised eyebrow Katie giggled. “Well, all right, the relationship was pretty cold at first. But as you can see, these things can change pretty quickly, so you better watch out for yourself. With how outnumbered women are to men in this town, it could happen to you, even if you don’t think you’re susceptible. Look at me! I swore up and down I would never even consider remarriage, and now here I am courting with the doctor!” She seemed momentarily shocked by the thought before drifting off into dreamy reminiscence. “We did have a lovely afternoon yesterday. We walked up to the point again where he asked me to court. It is the most lovely view. And we talked and talked. As you know, the time got away on us.”

  Melanie laughed. “Yes, I know. You got in just in time to say goodnight to Annie.”

  “Am I abusing your friendship completely? I know you didn’t sign up for mothering duties.”

  “No, no, I’m not filling mothering duties. I am strictly the favorite aunt. And I make no promises about not spoiling your child. It’ll be left to you to unravel whatever messes I might make with the girl.”

  Katie laughed. “I trust you implicitly.”

  There was a pause while Melanie pondered her words. Always perceptive, Katie prodded. “Something else is on your mind. You made a weird face when I said that I trust you. Do you not think I should?”

  Melanie’s laugh sounded forced as she responded. “No, it’s not that. Of course, I think you should trust me. I will guard Annie with my life. And I was only joking when I said that I’ll spoil her. In your absence, I will do the best I possibly can.”

  “I know, thus the implicit trust. So, spit it out. Something is bothering you.”

  Melanie sighed and decided to confide in her friend. “Mr. Miller has asked me to take an interest in Mary.”

  Katie frowned. “Annie’s friend? Why would he do that? Doesn’t he have a wife?”

  “No, that’s what I thought, too, but it’s his sister. And she’s not well. Please don’t share this with any of our clients, but he has contacted his family back East and asked them to come for her. Apparently, she hates it here in Bucklin and has only been staying from a sense of duty toward her brother and niece. Now that Mary is going to school, Mr. Miller feels that he can manage without her, and perhaps they will be better off without her negative presence.”

  Katie’s eyebrows had been steadily rising throughout Melanie’s explanation. “He has certainly confided a fair bit of information to you.”

  Melanie could feel heat rising in her face, and she began to feel defensive. “I think he felt he had nowhere to turn and was hoping for a female perspective.”

  Katie’s eyebrows remained elevated. “So, he confided in a woman he just met rather than one of his neighbors that he’s known for years? Ones who perhaps have even known his sister?”

  Melanie frowned. “Do you think it’s worrisome that he has discussed this with me? I think he just thought that since I am spending time with Annie, I might be in a position to take an interest in Mary and spend some time with her, too.”

  Katie’s face split into a grin. “I don’t think it’s worrisome at all. But I think it is exactly what I was talking about. I’ve seen Mr. Miller. He is a handsome man. And from the gossip I’ve picked up around town while visiting our clients, it would seem he is quite well-to-do.”

  “His lands certainly seem to be extensive. But why does that make you look so strangely all of a sudden?”

  “You are a good looking, intelligent, single woman. If a good looking, intelligent, single gentleman starts confiding in you, it could only mean one thing. I won’t be the only one courting before long.”

  “No. Absolutely not. He is not interested in me in that way. He is merely concerned for his daughter. And he did us a favor, if you will recall, when you were stuck at the Mitchells’ house with their illness. He kept Annie for us and prevented her from even realizing that you were gone until it was all over. We owe him our kindness for what he did.”

  “Why are you protesting so much? Are you really that opposed to a man showing a romantic interest in you?”

  “He hasn’t shown a romantic interest in me, Katie. I’m not like you. You’re pretty and witty and energetic and outgoing. And you’re such a tiny little woman. I think men like that. I’m awkward and nervous and shy and clumsy. I don’t know what to say to people, and I would far rather stay at home than go out into the world. Surely, someone like Mr. Miller would prefer anyone else over
me.”

  Loyal Katie swept to her defense. “For one thing, you are the loveliest friend I’ve ever had. I think you’re beautiful. In the sunlight, your brown hair is every shade of nutmeg and walnut and amber.”

  Melanie laughed. “You make me sound like a tree.”

  Not to be deterred, Katie persisted. “And you’re so smart. When you aren’t nervous, you have the most fascinating things to talk about.”

  “But I’m always nervous,” Melanie complained. “But never mind. I don’t even want him to be interested in me, so it doesn’t matter. I mean, really, what would I do with a man? He will want more children, and I don’t know if I could bear it. I’ve already raised my family.”

  Katie’s laughing face softened into concern. “But a family of your very own is different than your siblings. And having a husband would be a completely different scenario than an absent father who only makes demands of you.”

  “I’m sure it is, but I have no interest in learning it for myself, so never mind about it. I’m just glad to see you so happy.”

  “Now you’re just trying to change the subject,” Katie laughed. “But what are you going to do about Mary?”

  Melanie sighed. “I don’t know. The poor dear thing. I was thinking of offering to have her come stay with us for a few days when her aunt is being taken away. It’s sure to be an ugly scene that no little girl should witness. Would you be accepting of having her with us?”

  “Of course,” was Katie’s immediate reply. “Do you think we should go see if we can help the poor woman?”

  “Maybe you should go. You’re so much better with people than I am,” Melanie protested.

  “But I have barely met her, just in passing at the school. I think it would be much more comfortable for everyone if you came with me.” Now Katie had begun wheedling.

  “Not more comfortable for me,” Melanie pointed out with a weak laugh.