Amelia's Journey (13 page)

This was not the time to impose strict prohibitions on his daughter. He'd make sure Ben and Amelia had no opportunity to do more than share friendship in the presence of their families. If Ben wanted more, he would not get it on this trip.

Once again Ben gazed through a train window at the landscape as the train clicked along the rails heading for Boston. Ever since the telegraph message that his grandfather lay close to dying, life had been one hurried action after another. Pa had made sure his foreman would handle the responsibilities of the ranch and that the school understood the reason for his children to be absent. Clara arranged for someone to take her group of children at the school and promised to help Billy and Grace Ann keep up with their schoolwork.

Ma and Clara had cleaned clothes and packed bags for the trip as well as made sure they would have snacks and food to eat on the journey.

Open fields had given way to forests and towns that grew larger the closer they came to Massachusetts. They crossed rivers and streams on sturdy bridges and climbed hills in the western mountains of Massachusetts. Each clack of the wheels brought him closer to seeing Amelia, who hadn't written for a number of weeks and hadn't answered his last letter. Mary Beth's correspondence had shed no light on the problem either.

Amelia may very well have fallen in love with one of the young men vying for her attention after the cotillion. If that be the case, all hopes of their marriage and a life in Kansas dashed against the rocks and shattered. No, Mary Beth or Amelia would have let him know about something like that. His sister spent most letters writing about Andrew Farnsworth and their time together. Maybe she didn't have time to think of anyone else, or had she purposely omitted any details about Amelia's activities?

He'd know the answer to his questions soon enough, but between now and then he must believe only the best of circumstances, or he'd ruin the time for others with the sullen attitude that crept into his conversations.

He glanced across the aisle to his parents. The stern set of Pa's jawline gave evidence of his concern for his father's life. He held Ma's hand, and she brushed her nose with her handkerchief.

She leaned forward and turned toward him. “Ben, will you ask Clara to give Billy a snack? He's probably hungry by now. Have one for yourself too.” Then she sat back against the seat and let her head rest on Pa's shoulder.

So much love his parents held for each other. He'd seen it not only in the way Pa teased her on occasion but also in the way he caressed her cheek and whispered to her at times. Someday he hoped that he and Amelia would share that kind of intimate, committed love. He sighed and stood to head for the seats where Clara sat with Billy and Grace Ann.

He tapped his aunt's shoulder. “Clara, Ma said to see if Billy is hungry, and give him one of the snacks you brought.”

Clara pointed to the seat across from her where Billy lay sleeping. “He'll be hungry for sure when he wakes up. Why don't you sit here by me for a spell? I can see something is troubling you, and it wouldn't take three guesses to find out it is Amelia Carlyle.”

Ben stepped around her legs and settled on the seat by the window. “You'd be right. She hasn't answered my last letter, and I'm worried. She should have my second one by now. Of course if she sends an answer to it, I won't be there to receive it.”

“Many things could be the reason for her not answering the first one. This is a busy time for all the young ladies who were presented last month. Young men are calling on them in hopes of choosing a spring or early summer bride from among them.”

He furrowed his brow and shook his head. “That's just what I'm afraid is happening. Amelia would be a well sought after young woman. Her father has influence, is wealthy, and is well thought of in their social group. Add to that the fact that Amelia is pretty, and you have all the makings for a perfect society match.” Now that he voiced his fear aloud, it grew even more difficult to bear.

Clara grasped her hand in his. “I know it's difficult to wait to hear from someone. I remember how I hated waiting to hear from Tom while he was at West Point and then after he left to join the army.”

“You waited, and Tom never came home. I hope I'm not waiting just to find out that Amelia is taken by someone else. I'm not sure I could stand the—”

Clara blinked her eyes and turned her face away from his. How could he have been so stupid?

He reached for her shoulder. “Clara, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean that the way it sounded. Your loss was far greater than any I may suffer if Amelia finds someone else. Please forgive my quick, unthinking tongue.”

She said nothing for a few minutes. Then she used her fingers to swipe away the moistness in her eyes. “I forgive you. I know you weren't thinking about what you said. If Amelia has found someone else, her love was not the kind on which to build a permanent relationship. However, I don't believe that to be the case. Amelia is not a person to throw her feelings around. She's steady, not flighty. As far as I can tell, her feelings for you are true.”

“I pray you're right.” Amelia could be impulsive, but she wasn't irresponsible. He had to believe she loved him.

“I am, dear nephew. Wait and see. She'll welcome you with open arms and open heart. This is a most unfortunate visit, but God always has a plan and purpose. My father's illness came at a bad time with winter setting in like it is, but then no time is a good time for a family member to be gravely ill. We make do with what God hands us with the assurance that He will see us through whatever it is.”

Life had made his aunt wise beyond her years. She accepted what God handed her and made her way forward. How weak his faith appeared in the shadow of hers! But she also gave him the strength he needed to rely on God and wait patiently as the plans God had for him unfolded.

He reached over and hugged his aunt. “You are so wise, and you help me every time we talk. Thank you.”

Billy picked that moment to awaken and demand attention. He rubbed his eyes. “Aunt Clara, where are you? I'm hungry.”

“I'm right here, Billy, and I have something good for you to eat.” She reached down for the bag she and Mama had packed.

Grace Ann also sat up and took notice of the bag. “I'm hungry too, Aunt Clara.”

“All right, my dear. You can have some cookies too.” She rummaged through the bag until she came upon the bundle of cookies. She turned to Ben. “I have to feed them, but we can talk later if you like.”

“Thanks, I might take you up on that.” He tweaked his brother's hair. “Don't eat too many cookies, or you'll spoil your supper.”

Billy shook his head. “No, I won't.” He grabbed a cookie from Clara and stuffed it into his mouth.

A smile crossed Ben's face. Billy and Gideon were on their way to being even bigger eaters than Ben himself. Ma and Aunt Clara had their work cut out to keep those two filled up at mealtime.

He stretched and headed back to his seat with Gideon. With seven of them, his family filled one third of the railway car, but the other passengers didn't seem to mind. Ben settled beside Gideon, who had his nose buried in a book as usual.

Just as well. Ben didn't care to talk with anyone right now. He'd rather sit and plan what he had to say to Amelia when they next saw each other. He regretted his grandfather's illness, but he welcomed the chance to see the girl he loved once again.

Chapter 13

T
hanksgiving Day dawned clear and cold, but Amelia awakened to a toasty warm room. Maeleen had been up early to make sure the coal stove in the room was lit and ready for Amelia when she awakened. Amelia yawned and stretched, once again thankful for the stoves Papa had installed in each bedroom.

She shoved her feet into warm slippers and grabbed up her robe. If the Haynes children were still asleep, she'd have the bathroom to herself for a few moments of privacy. She peeked into the hall, and nothing but quiet greeted her. She scurried across the way to the bathroom and closed the door.

A few minutes later a tapping sounded on the door. Amelia finished her business and opened the door to find Billy standing there. He hopped first on one foot and then the other. His hair stood on end like a bristle brush. “I gotta go, Miss Amelia.”

She grinned and shoved him into the room with a pat on the bottom. “You best hurry and get dressed. You'll catch cold without a robe or shoes.” She closed the door behind him and hurried back to her own room and its warmth.

Having Billy and Grace Ann arrive yesterday had created quite a stir in the household. Mama had placed Grace Ann in Amanda's now vacant room, and Billy occupied the room that had once been the nursery but now served as an extra bedroom. Amelia had wished Mary Beth would come and stay too, but she remained at the Haynes's home to help her mother and aunt take care of the elderly Mr. and Mrs. Haynes.

She had been quiet and not voiced her disappointment when Ben had not come with his father to deliver the children. Any outward show might have caused her father concern, and that may have led to not seeing Ben at all.

Instead, all but Clara and her mother were coming here for Thanksgiving dinner. Yesterday when Mr. Haynes brought Billy and Grace Ann, Mama had insisted that Mr. and Mrs. Haynes dine with the Carlyles. When Mr. Carlyle finally accepted, Amelia's heart leaped within her chest in anticipation of the holiday.

In just a few hours the house would fill with the delicious aroma of roasting turkey, yams, fresh yeast bread, and pumpkin pie. Even better, Ben would be here, and they would have a chance to visit so she could explain the reasons for not writing to him. Surely Father would allow her to have time with her two friends.

Amelia stopped at Grace Ann's room and peeked through the open door. Maeleen stood behind Grace Ann and brushed her hair. “Good morning, you two.”

Grace Ann beamed a smile bright as sunshine. “Oh, Amelia, Maeleen is going to put my hair up in long curls instead of pigtails. I'm so excited.” She bounced on the dressing stool.

Maeleen tapped the girl's shoulder. “And ye best sit still or we'll not get it done.”

“She's right, Grace Ann. She makes me sit still when she's doing mine. You'll be glad you did.” Amelia turned back to the door. “I'll leave you two and go check on Billy. He'll be hungry as a little bear for breakfast.”

She had marveled at the boy's appetite last night at dinner. She hadn't been around boys that young to know how much they ate. If only she could have had a little brother.

Billy opened the door to his room and dashed out. Amelia caught him by the shoulders. “Whoa there, not so fast. You wouldn't want to fall down the stairs, would you?”

He shook his head, and his eyes opened wide. “I wouldn't fall, Miss Amelia. I'm good at running down stairs, and I smell bacon frying.” He hopped about under her grip and tried to squirm loose.

“If you'll walk quietly beside me, we can go down to breakfast now. I'm sure Lettie has plenty for you to eat.” She grasped his hand before he could break free. “My mother doesn't like for us to run in the house, so let's be nice and quiet going down the stairs.” Too many times in her younger days she'd been caught running or sliding on the banister. Mama probably wouldn't scold Billy, but she'd be much happier to see him walking into the dining room than running.

Grace Ann joined them, and when they entered, Mama and Papa greeted them, and Amelia seated Billy next to her chair with Grace Ann by Mama. She planted her usual morning kiss on Papa's cheek. “I'll fill Billy's plate for him.” She headed for the sideboard and the buffet meal spread there, followed by Grace Ann.

Mama smiled at Billy. “How did you sleep last night, young man?”

“OK, but I miss my ma.”

“I'm sure you do, but for now, it's best that you stay here with us. Perhaps we can find some toys or games for you to play with.”

Amelia plopped a spoonful of eggs onto Billy's plate. “I know where some are stored. Amanda and I played with them when we were your age.”

Billy stuck out his bottom lip and frowned. “I don't want no girl toys.”

Amelia laughed and finished piling food onto his plate. She walked around to set it in front of him. “They're not all girl toys, and we can look for them after you eat.”

“That sounds like fun. Do you have any books?” Grace Ann's curls bounced on her shoulders.

Amelia laughed. “Oh, yes. The shelves in the playroom are filled. We'll look at them after breakfast.”

Amelia went back for her own meal, and Lettie appeared from the kitchen with a glass of milk in hand. She set it in front of Billy and patted his head before stopping by Papa's chair. “Anything I can get you, Mr. Carlyle?”

Papa assured her that everything was fine, and Amelia spooned jam onto her plate. “This is a great meal, Lettie, thank you.” She sat down and whispered her own prayer of thanksgiving since she'd missed Papa's. Part of it included a prayer for her time with Ben that afternoon. No matter whether it was twenty minutes or two hours, she had to tell him what Papa had said. She prayed Ben would not speak to Papa before she could.