Orphan Train Trials

by Rachel Wesson

  The men exchanged glances, but Carl was in her line of vision, so she couldn’t read their expressions. Bridget had moved to the other side of the hall.

  “That would be right fine with us. We could give you a ride out today if you had the time.”

  “Let me go check with my wife. I will be right back. Bella, please stay with the girls.”

  Bella nodded. She saw the men glance at her, but she didn’t make eye contact. She moved closer to the young girls.

  “Bella, can’t you tell them we want to stay together?” Megan asked, her wide eyes making Bella feel even worse.

  “I can’t do that, Megan sweetheart. I think they would if they could but…”

  “I know, they don’t have enough money for two of us. Nobody does.”

  Bella hated the words, but they were the truth. She looked up just in time to catch Jack Maitland’s gaze roving over her. She shuddered at the expression in his eyes, but it was gone so quickly she wondered if she had imagined it. She wanted to run back to the train and get out of Mud Butte.

  But Megan was holding her hand.

  “Will you come with us, Bella? To see where they live?” Megan asked her, lisping slightly. Eileen stared at her, a begging expression in her eyes, but she stayed silent as usual.

  “I don’t think I would be allowed,” Bella started to say, but as Megan’s gaze dropped she changed her mind. These girls needed her. “I will ask Bridget. Stay here, I will be right back.”

  Chapter 25

  Bella

  Bella walked slowly over to where Bridget and Carl were talking to a man. As she got closer, she saw his sheriff’s badge. Her stomach churned. Was there trouble?

  “Bella, this is Sheriff Bell,” Carl introduced her to the man. “He was just telling us the Maitlands are wonderful people. They have given homes to orphans in the past.”

  Funny how they didn’t mention that earlier, Bella thought, but she didn’t say anything. The Sheriff was looking at her closely. She forced a smile in greeting before asking Bridget if she could come to the farms with her.

  “I don’t think there is any need for that is there? I have vouched for the families,” the sheriff replied before Bridget could answer.

  “The girls would like me to come. Seems easy to grant them a simple request, especially if you are going to split them up,” Bella surprised herself by saying. In the past she would have been quaking in her boots.

  “Of course, you can come, Bella. Please excuse us, Sheriff,” Bridget said, taking Bella’s elbow and leading her back to the girls. They left Carl speaking to the lawman.

  “Something doesn’t feel right,” Bella whispered as they walked across the hall. Bridget rubbed her hand across her forehead. “Bridget, what’s wrong?”

  “Sorry, Bella, I feel a little unwell.”

  “Can I get you some water?”

  “Yes, please. I think I will sit down for a few minutes too as the room is spinning.” Bridget sat as Bella went to find water. She came back, relieved to see Bridget didn’t look as pale as before. Her friend sipped the water before saying, “Bella, we discussed this. The girls have to find homes. It’s not ideal, but at least they would be close to each other.”

  “It’s not that. I don’t trust those men,” Bella insisted, after glancing around to make sure nobody was listening to her.

  Bridget stopped drinking to stare at her. “I know you had a horrible time, but you can’t let your bad experience color your judgement. Let’s go and see the Maitland families before making a final decision.”

  Bella nodded, wondering if she was letting her past take over. She waited for Bridget to finish but when she stood, she had to sit down again quickly.

  “Sorry, Bella, but could you get Carl for me, please?”

  Bella hurried away and found Bridget’s husband. He took one look at Bridget and insisted on taking her to see a doctor. Bridget refused but did agree to Carl securing a hotel room, saying a rest in a real bed would do her good.

  Bella went to check on the girls who were sucking some candy.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but we gave the girls a little treat,” Joe said with a smile on his face.

  “I hope you said thank you, girls,” Bella said quickly.

  “They did, ma’am. Lovely manners they have. My missus is going to just love them.” Joe grinned at her, showing his lack of teeth. She suppressed the shudder running down her spine.

  Yet he sounded so sincere, Bella thought Bridget must be right even if the hair on the back of her neck wouldn’t sit down.

  “Mrs. Watson is feeling unwell, so her husband will come to the farm with us,” she told them.

  “I hope she will recover soon. I have some goods to buy at the store so will come back to collect you in two hours’ time. Will that suit?”

  Bella nodded. She wanted him to leave and take her feelings of discomfort with her.

  “I am glad you are coming, Bella, but I hope Bridget will be okay,” Megan said, once she was alone with the girls again.

  “I’m sure she’ll be just fine,” Bella reassured the little girl.

  The hours passed quickly as the orphaned boys found homes with different people. Bella knew some were looking for farm workers, but they seemed like decent people. She had no way of knowing whether they would treat the boys right. She had to trust her gut instinct as she was the only one left to make a decision. Carl had yet to return. By the time he did, there was only the twins and a couple of boys aged ten and twelve left.

  “Carl, may I speak with you please?”

  “Certainly, Bella, what’s on your mind? You did a wonderful job while I was with Bridget?” he said, looking down at the list she had given him of who had adopted the boys.

  “It’s about the twins, Megan and Eileen. I…”

  “Yes?” he queried, his expression distracted.

  She didn’t want to annoy him. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but I don’t like the Maitlands.”

  “Why? Have they done something?”

  “No, not exactly. I can’t really explain it, but I think it would be best if you didn’t let them take the twins.”

  A look of understanding came over his face and she sighed with relief.

  “I know you find this difficult, Bella, but the fact is, the twins need a new home. Megan and Eileen have grown attached to you, but they are young, and they will adapt. I am sure everything will work out just fine.”

  “No, I mean, yes, they need homes but not with these people. Can’t we try at the next station?”

  “We can if their property is not suitable or we have a real reason to doubt the merits of the placement. I am sorry, Bella, but I have to think of everyone. What is best for the twins and for Bridget. The strain of this journey is taking its toll. I’m sure you understand.”

  Whether she did or didn’t wasn’t relevant. It was obvious the topic was closed for discussion. She could only hope something about the Maitlands property made them unsuitable parents. Carl was doing his best for those he loved, and she knew he wouldn’t place the girls in danger. He was right, they didn’t have any proof against the Maitlands apart from her gut instinct. Who was she to decide whether a home was good enough or not?

  Chapter 26

  Kathleen

  Kathleen and Dr Green found Miss Screed telling a group of people about her ordeal. She had changed into a new traveling costume, it seemed to be the match of the first one she had worn. The black made her look more severe and older than her years. Kathleen realized she hated the woman and was amazed at the depth of her feelings.

  “Miss Screed, would you like me to examine you, although you seem to have escaped serious injury?” The doctor smiled at the outplacement agent, but Kathleen saw his eyes remained cold.

  Miss Screed looked up with a smile at the cultured accent. Kathleen wanted to scream at the woman. Just because someone spoke well and was dressed nicely didn’t make them a better person. Although the doctor seemed kind and very car
ing.

  “I am quite well aside from some bruising. Thank you, Doctor, for asking. My injuries don’t need attending, no thanks to that ruffian. I assume he is now under lock and key.”

  “On the contrary, he is asleep in my car. The poor boy may lose the use of his hands. I believe him to be a hero. He saved you from serious injury, perhaps even from death. You should be grateful, Miss Screed. Someone else in his position may not have bothered.”

  The crowd gasped. Miss Screed opened and closed her mouth numerous times, but she didn’t get a word out.

  “I don't know who you think you are, Doctor, but you are operating outside of your authority. These children are in my care and I shall escort them to their destination.” Miss Screed stood her ground and, for once, Kathleen had a little admiration for the woman. She didn’t scare easily but it was a pity she didn’t use that bravery for the children in her care.

  “I am Richard Green, my grandfather being Charles Green.”

  Kathleen had no idea who that was but, judging by the look on the older woman’s face, she recognized the name.

  “My grandfather brought me up to believe all men are created equal. That applies to children too, no matter their background. My grandfather contributed a significant amount of money to various charities, including, I am sure, the one you are employed by. Believe me, they will be hearing my version of what took place here, and it will not show you in a good light.”

  He turned to look at Kathleen, “I must return to my patient. Miss Collins, if you would accompany me please. You can tell me about the plans for this group of children.” The doctor moved away before stopping and turning back to the conductor. “Before I forget, can you please see that every child in the group gets a decent meal? You can bill me for it. They have witnessed a terrible thing and are bound to be suffering the effects. Thank you.”

  He moved away before the conductor reacted. Kathleen followed in his wake, bemused as people moved out of his way as he made his way through the car. It was true what they said about money talking.

  As they neared his car, he stopped once more.

  “Miss Collins, please forgive my bragging back there. I never tell people who I am. I believe people who have to point out their wealth are quite vulgar. But given the circumstances, I think it was appropriate. I just hope you don’t think less of me.”

  She opened her mouth and closed it again a couple of times. Standing this close, she saw he was older than she had first thought. Probably late twenties if she was to hazard a guess.

  “Not at all, sir. I mean, Doctor,” she stuttered.

  “My name is Richard, but if you don’t believe it is appropriate for you to call me by my given name, ‘doctor’ will do fine. Now, let’s see if our young patient is awake, shall we?”

  “Doctor, did you mean it when you said he might lose the use of his hands?” she asked tentatively, not wanting to suggest he’d been lying, but hoping he had exaggerated.

  “That all depends on the next forty-eight hours. If infection doesn’t set in, then he should heal very well. Though he will likely be left with some scars.”

  Chapter 27

  Kathleen

  Kathleen took a deep breath when she saw Patrick. Judging by his pallor and expression, Patrick was in severe pain, but he never complained. Not once. Richard applied the salve again and again. He changed the bandages every four hours, explaining he did so to avoid infection. Then he showed Patrick how to exercise his hands so that he would retain maximum use of his fingers. The passengers got off at the next stop which was another small town. Josie told Kathleen, Doctor Green had insisted on buying all the children some candy as well as fruit from the store.

  “He is ever so nice, Miss Collins, ain’t he? Wonder what it is like to be so rich?” Josie said, sighing as she gazed at the doctor.

  Kathleen hurried the young girl back onto the car. Then she heard the doctor calling for her. She adjusted her shawl before she walked back toward him.

  “I have wired ahead for more supplies. They should be waiting for us at the next stop I hope. I need some more ointment for his hands, but I am hopeful we are past the critical stage.”

  “Thank you, Doctor, for looking after him so well.”

  “It is my pleasure, Miss Collins. I find him very amusing. He is quick-witted, intelligent and, if circumstances were different, I am sure he would have a wonderful range of careers open to him. I think he would make a wonderful lawyer given his ability to argue on every topic.”

  Kathleen laughed. Patrick certainly didn’t keep his opinions to himself.

  He seemed to have blossomed since the doctor insisted he travel with him. Miss Screed had recovered from her “ordeal” as she called it. Kathleen was relieved she wouldn’t be called upon to make decisions regarding the placement of the children. She didn’t relish having to organize the meetings with prospective parents. She wasn’t sure she would be able to hand over any of the children, they had all become like a family.

  Miss Screed had adjusted her attitude, at least slightly. She wasn’t as hurtful or mean to the children, although she continued to ignore them. Doctor Richard made up for it. He visited the group regularly and, because of his visits, the other passengers, not to mention the conductor, seemed to see the children in a better light too. Kathleen couldn’t help being upset the children were not being treated better because of their own worth but because a “gentleman” had taken an interest in them. It was simply amazing what money and position could achieve. She wondered how Bella was faring on her train journey? Was she learning more about human nature too?

  Chapter 28

  Bella

  All too soon for Bella’s liking, Joe Maitland returned to say the wagons were waiting. The amount of goods they had purchased seemed considerable but then Bella had no experience with feeding a family. But maybe it was a good sign.

  “Our wives are very industrious women. They grow a lot of stuff and we always have plenty to take into town to sell at the store. They make the best butter too. They also keep hens and collect eggs and stuff. Megan and Eileen will be able to help with those chores.”

  Megan and Eileen didn’t seem to hear him, they were focused on the scenery around them. The actual town was very similar to others they had been to. There was a boardwalk on the main street which comprised of a mercantile, a saloon, and, almost at the other end of town, a church which doubled as a school house. There was also a timber mill and what looked like a blacksmith.

  Carl traveled in the wagon with Joe Maitland leaving Bella to travel with Jack. She quickly climbed into the back of the wagon to sit with the girls rather than share the seat with the stranger. He didn’t comment on her actions, for which she was thankful.

  It took at least thirty minutes to reach the first farmhouse making Bella wonder how the girls would get to school. She knew children walked long distances in the country, but they were only six. She didn’t say a word though. It was Carl’s job to assess the suitability of the family and while she would air her thoughts to Bridget, she didn’t feel as comfortable sharing them with Carl.

  A woman came out to meet them, her gleaming white apron suggesting she had been expecting them. Or maybe she heard them drive up.

  “This is my wife, Alice,” Jack Maitland said as he stepped down from the wagon. He offered Bella his hand to help her. She accepted, it would have been rude not to. Then she helped both girls down.

  “Alice, this is Mr. Carl Watson from the Outplacement Society. This lady is Bella, his assistant. The twin girls are Megan and Eileen, aren’t they just adorable?”

  Alice nodded in greeting before moving toward the girls who hung back from her, hands held tightly together as usual, the other hands in their respective mouths.

  “Are you hungry? Would you like a cookie?” she asked them.

  The girls nodded.

  “Megan, Eileen, mind your manners. Please say ‘yes, please,’” Bella told them.

  “Aw, leave them be. Must be h
ard for them,” Alice said, her eyes not leaving the girls.

  Bella caught Carl’s smile of approval. He seemed to be impressed with Alice.

  “Why don’t we all go into the house? I have coffee for the adults and milk for the young ‘uns.”

  “Where is your son?” Bella asked, causing Alice to exchange a swift look with her husband.

  “Matt and his cousin Barry are up in the field. One of our calves escaped again this morning so they went to catch her. Susan, our girl, is inside. She just woke up. She hasn’t been feeling herself today.” Alice didn’t once meet her eyes. Bella couldn’t help but wonder why.

  Carl had already gone inside so Bella and the girls followed. Susan, who seemed to be about ten years old, was setting cups on the table. She smiled nervously at Bella but didn’t look at her father.

  “Good girl, Susan, thank you. This is Megan and her sister Eileen. Can you get them a glass of milk?” Alice asked the girl.

  “Yes, Ma,” the girl said so quietly Kathleen had to strain to hear her.

  “She’s a real quiet girl, our Susan. The teacher says she’s an angel at school,” Alice said as everyone sat.

  “Alice bakes the best cookies,” Joe said, taking one from the pile. “But don’t you go telling my missus. It will only hurt her feelings.”

  Everyone smiled.

  Bella looked around the house, which was clean and very tidy. It didn’t look much like a family home. Apart from it being clean, it didn’t look like a woman lived there. There were no plants inside nor any works of crochet or knitting. Everything was rather spartan, but then she didn’t have much experience with people’s houses. She had seen inside Lily’s once, but she couldn’t compare a red brick New York property to a farmhouse. There was a ladder at the far end of the room which seemed to lead to the loft. Was that where the children slept? As if reading her thoughts, Mrs. Maitland suggested the girls go upstairs.