Destined for You

by Tracie Peterson

  “Let’s head home,” Gloriana murmured as folks started to leave. “Maybe we can get a ride from someone.”

  “I’ll go ask Mr. Griggs,” JT offered. “I saw he had his wagon.”

  Gloriana nodded. “Go ahead, JT.”

  The old man was happy to help, and despite being nearly seventy, he had the strength to lift Sally into the back of the wagon so she didn’t have to exert herself.

  “Thank you so much, Mr. Griggs,” Gloriana called above the wind and rain as he dropped them home.

  “It’s no problem.” He helped Sally up the walkway and gave a slight tip of his hat. “I’ll be keeping watch through the night and praying.”

  Gloriana met his gaze. She saw the worry there and looked away, nodding. Things were truly grim.

  Chapter 5

  Luke felt a great sense of excitement as he and a small party of others boarded the train in St. Paul. There was less than ninety miles of track laid beyond the city, but it gleamed in the autumn sun and promised great things to come. Several of the men on the train talked freely of investments and plans for the future. Luke would do his best to make their acquaintances and see what possibilities they might hold for an association with Mr. Cooke. His employer was always looking for investors and investments, and it served Luke well to keep his ears open for opportunities.

  Just as Luke planned to get up and introduce himself, a man appeared in the aisle. This had been perhaps the biggest surprise for Luke. Theodore Sedgwick had introduced himself only moments earlier and presented Luke with a letter from Jay Cooke himself.

  Luke had read the letter and then read it again. The words were burned into his memory. “I believe Mr. Sedgwick will make you a good secretary. He has been carefully chosen from a group of men who had no fear of relocation to Duluth, and who had years of experience in office service. Jay Cooke.”

  The idea of not being allowed to choose his own secretary bothered Luke. He had always had a keen sense of his employees and had chosen them himself through what he considered to be God’s discernment. Having no say in the matter made him uneasy.

  “May I join you, sir?” Sedgwick asked.

  Luke put his discomfort aside. He smiled and motioned to the wooden seat opposite him. “Please sit and let us use this time to get better acquainted.”

  Sedgwick did as invited. Luke studied him for a moment. He was painfully thin and careworn. He was clearly years older than Luke.

  “Why don’t you tell me about yourself? Did you serve in the war?” For Luke, this was always a telling sign of a man’s overall character.

  “I did, proudly.” Sedgwick smiled. “I was with the Fourth Maryland Volunteer Infantry. We fought for the Union with great pride.”

  “I was with the Thirty-Second Pennsylvania, Company E. We were known as the De Silver Greys.” Luke smiled sadly. “It was a great bunch of fellows. We lost far too many.”

  “Indeed,” Sedgwick replied. “But right prevailed.”

  “Yes, I believe it did.” Luke shook off the sad memories. “Tell me what you’ve been doing since the war.”

  “I’ve worked for a number of powerful men. I have a talent for organization and detail. Many have found me useful for these reasons.”

  “But you never stayed with just one?”

  If the question concerned Sedgwick, he didn’t show it. He kept his gaze fixed on Luke. “I’m afraid it had to do with my health. I tried various areas to live, but often it didn’t agree with my condition.”

  “Which is?”

  “Trouble with my lungs, I’m afraid. Some areas just seem to irritate them more than others.”

  “What made you think Duluth would be an acceptable place to live?”

  Sedgwick smiled. “Because I grew up there. I had no trouble whatsoever as a boy. In fact, it wasn’t until I became an adult and went off to school in the East that I even learned of my condition. I never let my parents know about it for fear of worrying them.”

  “And who are your parents?”

  “Pastor and Mrs. Sedgwick. They oversee a small church that grew with the town. My father was actually a fisherman prior to becoming a pastor. He felt God’s call much as Peter the disciple did.”

  Luke smiled. Knowing Sedgwick came from people of faith put him at ease. “I’m a man of God myself. My faith has always been very important to me. It’s seen me through a lot of bad times.”

  “Oh, to be sure,” Sedgwick said, giving an enthusiastic nod. “A man without God cannot hope to make anything of himself.”

  “So, tell me what you know about Duluth and this railroad,” Luke said, changing the subject.

  “Duluth is a small community. There are several small villages along Lake Superior, and all are very much in close contact. Duluth has, in fact, absorbed several of those villages, and they now call themselves one. There is an abundance of logging going on, as the forests are vast, and fishing and other businesses related to the lake have sprung up over the years. There are some tremendous boat builders, for example. The railroad coming is the best of all. It will ensure the city grows and survives. Across the bay is the real trouble. Superior, Wisconsin, wants to be the big city of the area, and they feel that with Mr. Cooke bypassing them with the railroad, they have been irreparably snubbed. They are still working to change Mr. Cooke’s mind.”

  “That won’t happen. Mr. Cooke has made it quite clear that Duluth is the terminus of his choice for the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad. It lines up perfectly with his plans for the Northern Pacific line, which will end in Tacoma in the Territory of Washington. Instead of fighting his decision, perhaps they’d be better off to show how they can work with Duluth.”

  Sedgwick nodded. “I’ve often suggested that very thing.” He smiled. “Some men will not hear reason.”

  Luke nodded and turned his attention to the train’s jerky movements as it began its forward journey. He had received a detailed map of the line thus far. Their first stop would be White Bear Lake, a favorite picnicking spot for those in St. Paul. The beautiful parklands situated around the crystal lake provided city dwellers with a quiet respite just ten miles north of their homes. Several wealthy people had built small cottages near the lake for longer escapes during the summer months.

  Luke turned back to Sedgwick. “I understand you will be my assistant and stenographer for our business letters and other transactions. I should tell you that I’m a rather private man and am used to taking care of most things for myself. There will be times when I still manage for myself. Mr. Cooke had arranged for us to have a clerk, and if you feel the need for one, we will hire a man. But if not, I’m just as content for it to remain the two of us. I wouldn’t wish for you to take offense, however. Nor to be unfairly overworked.”

  Sedgwick nodded. “I completely understand. There is no need for a clerk. I’m quite capable. I will be here when you wish for my assistance. It was suggested that, with the secrecy we are struggling to maintain due to the rivalry between Duluth and Superior, when it is necessary to send information to St. Paul, I could deliver it in person.”

  Luke hadn’t heard this suggestion until now, but it made sense. “That would be beneficial. I will keep that in mind.”

  Watching the landscape as the train moved north, Luke continued with his thoughts. “The rivalry sounds like a very delicate situation. As I understand it, Duluth relies on the Superior entry to the lake.”

  “Yes, it’s a very narrow opening, and one of the bigger issues now that the railroad matter has been resolved. Duluth needs a canal to open the lake into their immediate area.”

  “Jay Cooke is quite interested in the canal, but I’ve not had a chance to study up on it.”

  “I’m sure you’ll hear a great deal more once you’re established in Duluth. The town officials will no doubt wish for Mr. Cooke’s help in making the canal a reality.”

  “No doubt.”

  Again Luke gazed out the window as the scenery changed from town to countryside. There were
beautiful autumn colors everywhere. Oranges of cherry and sugar maple, reds from the northern oak. There were even yellows of goldenrod painting the landscape and leaving little doubt as to the time of year. Someone mentioned they were slated for an early winter and that the beautiful colors were proof.

  “Have you arranged a place to stay in Duluth?” Sedgwick asked. “I’m certain my parents would be pleased to extend you a room until you were better situated.”

  “I have a brother in Duluth. I figure to stay with him and his wife. The baby’s due any day now, and I look forward to spoiling my niece or nephew.”

  The thought of his brother being a father brought a smile to Luke’s face. Scott had always been a tenderhearted person. Luke could still recall times when Scott had rescued damaged baby birds or wounded rabbits. He was always seeking to help those in need. When he’d first married Sally, Luke had thought the situation was no different. Sally’s mother had been ill, and when it became obvious that she was dying, Scott stepped in to offer comfort. The love born of their time together seemed natural. At least to Luke. Their father saw it as nothing more than a boy’s dalliance with his father’s servant.

  Sedgwick frowned. “I didn’t realize you had family in Duluth.”

  “Well, it’s not a bad thing, Sedgwick, so cheer up.”

  This seemed to startle the older man. “I . . . it wasn’t my intention to frown. I suppose I just have a great deal on my mind.”

  “Are you looking forward to seeing your parents again?”

  Theodore nodded. “It’s been some time. I do fear, however, that I might find them ill or in a bad way. We haven’t kept in touch as I would have liked. My father was distressed that I was unsettled in my youth. I fear I was a disappointment to him, despite my college education and war service.”

  “I doubt he is that disappointed. Perhaps miscommunication has caused you both unnecessary concern? This will be the perfect opportunity to set matters straight, don’t you think?”

  Sedgwick nodded. “I do hope that will be the case.”

  They didn’t stay long at White Bear Lake. Once the train had taken on water, they were soon on their way to Forest Lake, where the lake was even bigger and the fall colors even more beautiful, if possible.

  Luke noted that the land grant given to the railroad was a perfect route, as far as he could tell. There were already towns sprung up along the way. Some had been there prior to the railroad’s arrival, and the path had been chosen because of the settlement. However, usually towns had come into being with the encouragement of the railroad, which offered incentives and free land. There would be even more towns by the time the railroad was complete.

  Harvested wheat fields left a carpet of yellow stalks behind, further coloring the landscape. Luke had heard one man in St. Paul boast of getting thirty-five bushels of wheat to the acre. Not being familiar with the growth and harvesting of wheat, Luke could only imagine that was good, as the man seemed quite pleased.

  By the time they reached Rush City, fifty miles from St. Paul, Luke was ready to move around a bit. “We will be here for an hour,” the conductor announced. “Feel free to enjoy some early supper.”

  Luke got up and stretched. Sedgwick appeared to have nodded off and seemed completely content in his nap. That suited Luke just fine. He’d prefer a little time to himself. He was still dealing with the surprise of this stranger being his secretary.

  He walked through the train car to the platform between cars. It was now late afternoon, and the warm air had turned cold.

  “There’s been quite a storm blowing through up north,” an older gentleman commented as Luke stepped down from the train. “We’re going to have an early winter, it would seem. Lucky for us, the storm is moving east rather than south.”

  Luke nodded and pulled up his coat collar. The damp cold seemed to permeate the wool as if it were nothing more than a dressing coat.

  The older man pressed a printed flyer into Luke’s hands. “I hear you’re bound north to Duluth. I wouldn’t want to be on the big lake this day,” he declared and headed toward another group of men as they exited the train. “Old Gitche Gumee will be roiling like a witch’s caldron.”

  Frowning, Luke couldn’t help but wonder if his brother would be fishing despite the change in weather. He glanced down at the handbill.

  Enjoy hearty beef stew and our world-famous blueberry pie.

  Come to Turner’s across from the depot.

  It was only then that Luke realized he was hungry. He had originally intended to eat when they reached their overnight destination. It wasn’t that much farther, but given the delay of an hour at this station, he figured he might as well have something now.

  The small town was surprisingly well-developed. The tracks had only been in place for a year, but in that time, they had attracted plenty of attention. There was a post office and a flour mill, as well as a grain elevator and plenty of houses.

  Turner’s was a small restaurant situated between a dry goods store and a cobbler. Luke made his way inside and found the place warm and homey.

  “You want to eat, mister?” a young woman asked.

  He turned and found a girl who couldn’t have been more than thirteen or fourteen looking him up and down. “Yes. I’d like a table.”

  She led the way and put down a small chalked menu. “We don’t serve a lot of different things, but what we have is really good, and our blueberry pie is world-famous.”

  Luke smiled. “How did that happen?”

  She frowned. “Well, folks talked it up. Folks in other countries.” She shrugged.

  He glanced down at the menu and fought to keep from laughing out loud. “I’ll have the beef stew—a large portion, please. And, of course, a piece of the world-famous blueberry pie.”

  “You want some coffee too?”

  Luke nodded. “That would suit me just fine.”

  She took back the chalkboard and made her way to the kitchen. Luke looked around the room and found that several of the other men from the train had wandered in. The same young girl came and took them to tables.

  Luke rubbed his eyes and thought again of Scott awaiting him at the end of the journey. It felt like years since they’d seen each other rather than just months.

  “Pardon me, but are you Mr. Carson?”

  The warm baritone voice of the stranger made Luke smile as he looked up. “I am.”

  “Name is Rowland. Archibald Rowland, but most folks call me Archie,” the broad-shouldered, balding man declared. “I’m the line manager out of Duluth. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”

  Luke stood and shook his hand. “Luke Carson, as you guessed. Will you join me?”

  “Certainly.” They sat, and it was only a moment before the young waitress came around.

  “Hello, Mr. Rowland. You want the usual?”

  “I surely do. Bring it nice and hot. It’s getting pretty cold out there.”

  She nodded. “Everyone is telling me there’s signs of an early winter.”

  Rowland grinned. “Did they tell you the Indians were packing in grain and smoking extra fish?”

  “Yeah, I heard that. And Granny says the geese are headin’ south fast.”

  She headed back to the kitchen, and Rowland turned to Luke. “The Indians are usually right about the seasons. Geese too.”

  Luke shook his head. “I wouldn’t know, but it seems worthy of consideration, since both have been here longer than I have.”

  “Fact is, winter is coming, and we’d best be ready.”

  The girl returned with coffee for them both as well as a small pitcher of cream. “I know you like to milk yours down, Mr. Rowland.”

  He chuckled and poured a generous amount of cream into his cup. “I guess I’m pretty well-known along the line.”

  Luke drank his coffee black and relished the warmth. “So what are your thoughts about the route? Are we on schedule?”

  “We’re doing just fine. We’ll work as long as we dare and then stop �
��til spring. There’s been some interference here and there from the Superior folks. Nothing too difficult to handle and totally expected.”

  “That doesn’t sound good.”

  “It’s really nothing we didn’t anticipate. They’re still working to get the track rerouted to Superior. They feel that as long as we aren’t building out much from Duluth yet, there’s still a chance.”

  “Then maybe we need to get to laying track faster out of Duluth. Mr. Cooke still expects the line to be complete by next August.”

  “We have been modest with our movements out of Duluth only because of the problems we’ve run into here and there along the line. Occasionally the surveyed route has had issues and we’ve been obliged to alter it a bit. We don’t want to lay out too much from Duluth and then find we need a huge alteration to join up with the line coming from the south.”

  “I suppose I can understand that.”

  The girl returned with two big bowls of stew and a platter of bread and butter. She didn’t even speak after depositing everything on the table, as another group of men came into the restaurant in search of food.

  Luke smiled. “Do you mind if I offer grace?”

  “If you hadn’t, I would have.”

  They both bowed their heads, and Luke blessed the food and asked God for better weather.

  “Amen,” Rowland said, reaching for the bread. “But you can’t let the weather bother you. It’s just a part of this region. What with us being so far north and Superior sitting just over from Duluth, we’re going to be at the mercy of it all. I’ve been up here three years now, and one thing has always been the same.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Ain’t nothin’ the same. It changes all the time up here.” He laughed, and Luke joined in.

  “What a comfort.” Luke sampled the stew and was pleasantly surprised. He’d expected a bland combination of meat and vegetables, but someone here truly understood the technique of blending flavors. This stew was the best he’d ever had. Was that a hint of burgundy he tasted?