by Lynn Landes
Lizzy smirks, “Yes, we’ll see about that.”
Bronnah jumps in shock a few moments later when the captain calls for the first-class passengers and Lizzy waves pulling her along. “Lizzy, what are ya doing?”
“I have a surprise for you.” Lizzy is dressed in a new day dress, tailored to her coloring in a gorgeous rose color. She glows with excitement as the Captain greets them.
"Welcome aboard the Freesia, I trust you will find your accommodations welcoming, Miss Mcinish, and Ms. O'Dalaigh. The porter will lead you to your room. If you should need anything, please don't hesitate to find me."
"That's very kind of you, Captain." Lizzy grabs her arm and guides her up the wooden gangplank and stops a moment before stepping onto the ship deck. The trembling in her body gives away her nerves, and Bronnah kisses the side of her head.
"Tis not too late, Luv, just say the word," Bronnah whispers. Elizabeth glanced back over her shoulder one last time, thinking of her parents and how heartbroken they will be when they find her letter tomorrow. If only they'd listened to her, but her opinion was not wanted. Stiffening her shoulders and tossing her dark hair, she steps forward and into her new life.
“I’m glad you came, Bronnah,” she smiles at her with excitement shining in her eyes. “I can’t wait to see what adventures await us.”
Eight hours later, Bronnah holds Lizzy’s hair back as she vomits for the third time. “This… is… not… what… I… meant….” She gasps fighting back the sickness.
“Don’t worry, it will pass. You’ll get your sea legs soon enough.” Bronnah carries the bowl to the window and dumps it before hurry backing to wash her face with a damp cloth. “I’ll take care of you, Lizzy.”
“I know… you always do,” she says and falls into a fitful sleep.
Bronnah sighs in relief and glances around the stateroom they’re staying in. It is a large eight by ten room with mahogany walls, lined with maple panels and gilded woodwork. Lizzy surprised her by booking a first-class stateroom. The twelve-day journey will pass quickly in such beautiful surroundings.
Bronnah is stunned by the decadence of the two-bedroom suite and attached sitting room. It is more than she ever imagined, with its private water closet, running water, and even electricity. Stepping to the door, she places the bucket outside of the room and pulls the chord to call for an attendant.
Within moments a soft knock sounds on the door, and Bronnah pulls it open with relief. She orders biscuits and tea, then accepts the new bowl from the young girl. "Thank you. How long does the sickness usually last?"
The young girl looks surprised at Bronnah’s Irish lilt. “Not long miss, most people are sick the first night, but I should warn you, sometimes it lasts longer. Keep the food simple, biscuits, crackers and tea should help.”
“I see.” Bronnah steps back to let her bring the tea service inside and thanks her quietly before closing and locking the door. She eats quickly and leaves the window open for the fresh breeze. Her own queasiness is warring with her determination not to be sick. The August heat isn’t helping. Stripping quickly, she rinses her body with a cool, wet cloth and sits down to pen a letter to her parents.
After counting her money. The sisters of charity gave her a leaving stipend of fifty dollars. Forty of it was given to her parents, and ten dollars was saved for the journey. Their tickets were paid for, but apparently, Lizzy splurged, and she can't imagine what first class cost when steerage cost a minimum of fifty dollars each. Once they arrive in New York, their hotel fee would be covered as well. That will leave her with twelve dollars to her name. Glancing at Lizzy, she stretches out on the other bed to sleep and prays that the rest of the journey will go more smoothly.
The first two days are tough for the girls as they acclimate to the roughness of the sea. Within forty-eight hours both are feeling well enough to leave the cabin.
"Lizzy, where's my skirt?" Bronnah asks the next evening when they are dressing to join the Captain for dinner in the dining hall. Usually, she wears a long dark skirt, white blouse, black shoes and cover for her hair. The Sisters were strict about the dress code.
“About that, I have another surprise for you, dove.” Lizzy opens the closet and pulls out a soft cream-colored lace walking dress with turquoise trim ribbons. “It comes with shoes and a gusseted corset.”
“It’s lovely!” Tears fill her beautiful eyes as she traces the lace and ribbons. “Elizabeth, you didn’t have to do this.” Lizzy runs to her and hugs her best friend tight.
"It's the least I can do, Bronnah. You came clear across the world with me, and I love you like a sister. Besides, you can't greet your betrothed wearing rags."
Bronnah laughs and wipes her tears, "Lizzy, we came together, you don't owe me anything, but it's gorgeous, and I won't say no to it."
“Good, because I had three more made and one evening gown!” Lizzy laughs in delight at the look of shock on her face. “The trunk is in storage with your name on it.”
They dress with laughter and excitement and Lizzy gasps when Bronnah is finally ready. “Look at you! Surely, they will be fighting over us!” Bronnah allows her to curl and pin her hair up.
She glances at the reflection in the mirror and doesn't recognize the young woman staring back at her. Her light blonde hair is in beautiful curls and pinned up on the sides. A blush of excitement covers her pale skin, and her green eyes glisten with hope.
“Thank you, Elizabeth. I never imagined…,” Bronnah turns to her.
“That’s because you were forced to hide your beauty, well no more. I plan on having the pick of these men,” Lizzy snaps.
“I’m nearly afraid to ask, but I’m curious. Where did you get the money for all of this, Elizabeth?”
A flush of embarrassment stains her cheeks, “I told mother that I needed a trousseau for my honeymoon. You can’t imagine how generous they were once they thought I was going through with it.”
“I hope you saved some money. Marriage to a rancher will not provide the lifestyle you are accustomed to.”
“I know that Bronnah. I’m not stupid,” frustration has her spinning away.
"No, you are sweet, generous, protective, kind, funny and beautiful. Any man would be lucky to call you his bride. Just as I have been lucky to call you sister," Bronnah replies instantly.
“Forgive me, I’m feeling out of sorts,” Lizzy turns and wipes a tear glistening in her eyes, “Thank you, now let’s go eat with the Captain and see what there is to do on this ship. I’m bored to tears.”
Bronnah walks amongst the ornate halls and frowns. "It's hard to believe that the only thing separating the rich and poor are some wooden boards."
“It doesn’t seem right, does it,” Lizzy replies. “Bronnah for this trip, let’s just agree to enjoy ourselves. We will never have this experience again.”
“It’s terrifying and exciting at the same time,” Bronnah tucks her arm in Lizzy’s. “I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.”
“Who knew that hope could make one so hungry!” Lizzy says with a laugh.
The Freesia usually carried merchants, missionaries, and government officials, but truth be told it looked like mostly laborers. The Captain explained that the Freesia could accommodate one hundred and two first-class passengers, one hundred and twenty-six, second class passengers and six hundred steerage class.
Females traveling alone are kept separate from the single males and families. The ship was designed with four decks to ensure the passenger’s safety. The only time they would mingle would be during dinner in the main dining hall with the Captain, or at the dances held every Friday night. Of course, each class had their own dining hall which could be transformed as needed.
Bronnah is excited to see the other passengers on the ship. Anything to keep her mind off what waits across the sea. She can’t help but wonder what her new husband will be like. Inside the dining room, Elizabeth leads the way to the Captain’s table and introductions are quickly made. The room
is illuminated by large crystal chandeliers with exquisitely set tables. Wonderful scents float on the air, teasing them and they smile in anticipation of a gourmet meal. Captain Tyler approaches drawing excited giggles from a set of identical twins about the same age as Elizabeth.
Captain Tyler's table seats ten. Great pains are made to balance the table with singles and married passengers. Bronnah smiles and chats happily with a married couple on her left with a young son. They talk freely and enjoy a dinner of soup and biscuits. Lizzy is flirting with a dark-haired man.
"Miss O'Dalaigh, it is nice to see that you're feeling better and so quickly," the Captain says with a smile. He is handsome and not bothering to hide his interest in the young beauty.
“Thank you,” Bronnah replies and sips her tea.
“Were you terribly ill?” One of the twins asked.
“I...” she starts to reply only to have the second twin interrupt her.
“We found our sea legs very quickly. Captain, do you think that you could give us a tour of the steam room?” Her high-pitched voice grates on Bronnah’s nerves.
“If you wish,” he responds.
"Tell me, Ms. O'Dalaigh, why are you traveling to America?" The women next to her asked.
"We're meeting our Fiancé's in New York," Lizzie explains filling them in on the details.
“How exciting!” One twin answers, looking at her sister pointedly.
“Do you think he will mind?” The second twin asked.
“Mind what?” Bronnah asked.
“Well, that you’re Irish, of course?” she answers giggling.
“That’s a disgusting thing to say,” Elizabeth exclaims flushing red with anger.
"Why would he mind?" A French man asks, looking over at the two of them. "They appear to be two intelligent, beautiful, young women. Any man would be lucky to claim such a prize."
Elizabeth looks closely at him. His taste in clothing seems exquisite, and his lush, wavy dark hair and dancing blue eyes has her heart pounding with excitement.
“That’s very kind of you… Mr.?” Bronnah asked.
"Jules Verne, at your service," he smiles at them and glances with interest at Elizabeth.
“It’s simply that the America’s are infested with laborers. My husband said that if they aren’t Chinese, they are Irish. Work is terrible hard to find.” The twins Mother answers for her. A prudish looking woman with mousy blonde hair.
"Infested is a strong word to be sure," Bronnah says, and her brogue grows noticeably thicker by the second.
Elizabeth grasps her hand and glances around the table, shocked at such statements. "That surely is a backward way of thinking. Are we not all human beings? Who deserve the same show of dignity and respect? You should apologize," she demands, and her blue eyes glow with outrage.
Jules sits back with a surprised look of approval.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. My sister was simply asking a question. If you find offense in it, perhaps you should learn tolerance,” the taller of the two twins’ states.
Bronnah stops Lizzy from speaking with a grip of her hand. "Let me see if I understand, ya know we Irish are so dimwitted. The likes of you have no problem with using us for the menial chores you're too lazy ta' handle, as long as we know our place? Is tha' right?"
“There now, let us agree to disagree shall we,” the Captain begins attempting to soothe tempers.
"No, tis true that my people have yet to recover from the devastating famine that ravaged our lands. A great many of us lost loved ones…" Bronnah glances at Lizzy surprised by the tears she's fighting back at the thought of her family and husband. "Lost loved ones in the cruelest of ways imaginable."
Elizabeth is visibly trembling with barely controlled rage for her friend. She leaps to her feet and tosses her cloth napkin on the table which has suddenly lost its glitter. In a trembling voice, “We’ve nursed the most elite and the poorest souls, and they all had one thing in common. They did not judge each other because, in the end when death comes knocking, we are all human beings.”
“That is surely something we can all agree on,” the Captain answers, nervously looking around the table.
"I should say not, Captain." The mousy haired woman stands up followed by her two daughters. Leaning forward with a sneer, "Educate it and wrap it any way you wish, but it will not matter my dears, and the sooner you learn it, the better. A biddy is a biddy."
“I’m sure we will all agree that we would take a biddy over your kind any day,” Jules replies furiously defending the two young women.
"I believe we shall take our remaining meals in our cabin, away from such abuse, Come girls!" They storm out of the dining room in a huff.
The Captain turns to the table and apologizes. "Please do not fear that everyone agrees with such vile thoughts, Ms. O'Dalaigh, but I'm afraid some of what she said is truth," Captain Tyler explains.
Elizabeth drops into her chair and sips her water, trying to calm her rage.
"I understand. Thank you, Captain, I shall think on it." Lizzy and Bronnah sit quietly while the remaining of the diners excuse themselves. "Thank you, Mr. Verne, for coming to our aid," Bronnah says softly.
"Yes, you're very open-minded for a Frenchmen," Elizabeth replies struggling to hide her grin.
“Lizzy!” Bronnah gasps in shock, and they all burst out laughing.
The rest of the evening passes in a blur. Mr. Verne escorts them about the upper deck for a stroll and some fresh air. The girls are surprised to see various groups gathered about, some eating rice and others talking and laughing. Bronnah is happy to have the company, and he offers to meet them for breakfast.
“That would be lovely,” Lizzy answers quickly.
Later, when the girls are lying in bed, Lizzy asks, "What if Jules is right? What if these men are vile, disgusting, human beings who hate women?"
Bronnah rolls towards her and smiles. “Then we shall find an open-minded Frenchman to rescue us?”
“I like him too, Bronnah. Let us promise to only marry men who will respect us for who we are,” Lizzy demands.
“Yes, and men who kiss us senseless and make our entire being yearn to be…”
“Bronnah!” Lizzy exclaims sitting up in her bed.
"You know you think about it, Lizzy," she teases her to help alleviate some of their fear.
“Unlike you, I’ve never been married. Do you miss him?” She asks softly.
“I miss what we could have had,” she whispers.
“You will have it again, Bronnah.”
“I hope so. Good night.”
Chapter 5
“How many this time,” Harris asks three weeks later over dinner at the ranch.
“We lost three cars this week. All the supplies and some of the beef,” Dalton answers.
“Things are escalating, Dalton. How many times has this happened?” Chase asks his brother.
"I'm beginning to lose count. If this continues, we will lose our orders. Damn! This doesn't just impact us, but all the other ranchers and merchants who utilize the trains to move their goods," Dalton states leaning back from the table.
“You can’t blame them for being afraid. No one should be scalped and left to die or bleed to death. That’s if, you aren’t a woman. Not only are they afraid of an attack by Indians but by train robbers as well. The next delivery is our most important one,” Steele reminds Chase.
“Why is that?” Chase asks, sipping on his coffee.
“It will be our first delivery of the refrigerated cars for the overseas market,” Dane announces with pride.
Chase sits back and smiles at his brothers. “I’ll be damned. You did it, Dalton?”
“Was there ever any doubt?” Cassandra states, waddling into the room.
“Get off your feet woman,” Dalton orders and jumps up to guide his very pregnant wife to a chair.
Steele reaches down snatching his one-year-old nephew into his lap as he runs into the room, causing him to squeal
in excitement.
“I would, but your son is getting into everything,” Cassie snaps in frustration. “Besides, they aren’t coming for another month.”
"They?" Four voices say in unison. Cassie laughs and pats her huge belly. "I think so," she murmurs as she sits back in her chair with a groan of relief.
"You think so, or you know?" Dalton asks squatting down in front of her to look in her eyes. Cassandra has the gift of second sight, and it has saved their lives in the past.
“I saw them, three perfect little babies,” she whispers.
Dalton leaps up, “Three!”
“Three,” she echoes with tears. “This is all your fault,” she bursts into tears. “With your five nonsense! Dalton, we can’t have triplets!”
Grandma Jenny storms into the living room from the kitchen. “Why is Cassie crying? What did you boys do to upset her?”
“Not us, Granny, this is all Dalton,” Chase laughs.
“Damn right. Three. Granny we’re having triplets!” Dalton laughs and puffs up with pride. Cassie laughs through her tears.
“Oh, my!” Granny sits by Cassie and gives her a kerchief. “What a miracle,” she exclaims grinning.
“Look at him strutting around like a rooster. We’ll never hear the end of this!” Steele murmurs, handing Chase his nephew.
Dane laughs as he watches his family and goes to tell his wife the good news. Granny follows, to plan and prepare for three newborns!
Dalton kneels in front of his wife and kisses her soundly. “Everything is going to be fine, don’t worry,” he pleads.
“Don’t worry? Four children under two, Dalton Rivers,” she sniffs and holds up four fingers.
"No," Dalton grips her hand gently, "Five is the lucky number. The number is five," Dalton grins at her look of outrage.
“You are never touching me again,” she hisses into his ear.
"That's not what you said last night," he teases only to roar with laughter when she blushes and shoves him. Struggling to her swollen feet, she gets up and waddles away, ignoring the laughing men behind her. Stopping at the door, she turns back.
