Caroline's Quilt (Brides 0f Pelican Rapids Book 2)

by Rachel Skatvold

  Caroline’s Quilt

  Rachel Skatvold

  CAROLINE’S QUILT

  Copyright © 2019 Rachel Skatvold

  ISBN: 9781088775585

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. Published by Rachel Skatvold.

  Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version. Public Domain and from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations or events is coincidental.

  Edited by: Lisa M. Prysock

  Proofread by: Joy Davidson

  Continuity Edit by: Tina Caudill Conder

  Author Photo: Jennifer Davidson

  Cover Design: Carpe Librum Book Design

  For more information on Rachel Skatvold, please visit her website: www.rachelskatvold.com

  Brides of Pelican Rapids

  Series Page

  Lottie’s True Love, Volume 1

  Lisa M. Prysock

  Caroline’s Quilt, Volume 2

  Rachel Skatvold

  Acknowledgements

  This has been such a fun project to work on. I’ve enjoyed it immensely. First of all, I’d like to take the time to thank a few people who made this book possible.

  Thank you to my friend Lisa M. Prysock for coming up with the idea for the series and inviting me to join in! I’ve always wanted to write a historical western and this series gave me the opportunity to do so. Also, a big thanks to all the other authors coming up in this series. Working with each of you is such a blessing and I cannot wait to read the stories God has placed on your hearts.

  A big thanks to our cover designer, Evelyne Labelle for creating such beautiful covers for our series. Also, to Jennifer Davidson for taking my author picture. A big thanks as well to Lisa M. Prysock for editing, Joy Davidson for proofreading and Tina Caudill Conder, our continuity editor. I couldn’t do it without you.

  A note of appreciation to the members of the Brides of Pelican Rapids Facebook Group. You all are amazing! Thanks for all of your support. Also, thanks to all my readers and social media followers. I appreciate your encouragement. A big thanks as well to my family, friends and church family for supporting my writing. Every author needs people behind them for advice and encouragement and you have been that for me. I am so blessed to have you.

  Last, but certainly not least, thank you to God for giving me the words to write and the energy to do complete these books. Every story teaches me something new about my spiritual life and this one taught me about accepting God’s plan for our lives. Things may not turn out exactly how we dream in life, yet His plan is so much better than we could imagine if we follow him. Even through the hardships, He has good plans for us.

  Thank you, dear readers, for taking the time to read Caroline’s Quilt. I hope the message of her story is a blessing for you.

  Dedication

  For my wonderful friend and mentor,

  the Lion-Hearted Kat.

  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

  Ephesians 2:10 KJV

  Chapter One

  “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

  Psalms 37:23 NLT

  Rose Manor, the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia

  Late September, 1868

  Caroline Rose Kennedy gazed up at the second-level picture window of her home one more time. The hand holding back the lace curtain paused and then disappeared as the fabric fell back over the window. She sighed while wiping a rogue tear from her cheek. If they delayed any longer, she would miss her morning train.

  A gentle hand touched her shoulder. “Don’t fret now, dear girl. Your mama will come around in time. There’s no point trying to rush her into accepting this today. Time and distance could be a good thing for you both. You’ll see.”

  She nodded toward her father and settled into her seat in the horse-drawn buggy while waving her fan. Caroline had worn a long-sleeved gown that morning and now regretted it. Summer had faded into fall, according to the calendar, but it seemed the warm weather didn’t want to let them out of its clutches yet. “I pray you’re right, Daddy. Please tell her I’ll write when I arrive safely in Minnesota.”

  “I will.”

  He clicked his tongue for the horses to move forward and she craned her neck to watch her childhood home begin to drift away. Her eyes focused on the front door, believing any moment Mama might appear and call for them to stop so she could bid her farewell. However, that moment never came.

  Her parents, Wesley and Loretta Kennedy, were one of the most respectable couples in all of Atlanta, at least before the war. Her daddy was a preacher and well-known by the people for his generosity. Her mama was a generous person as well and the portrait of what a Christian woman should be. However, she was notorious for her stubbornness as well. Once she set her mind against something, it was usually set in stone. When Caroline informed Mama of her plans in Minnesota, she had given her the cold shoulder—retreating to the bedroom for two full weeks in protest. It had been a torturous time for the entire household, but Caroline refused to give in. There was nothing for her in Atlanta—nothing except a future of refined imprisonment with Mama planning out her every move in life. After the war, everything changed—the once proud south humbled—many of the young men she attended school with, dead. She needed a change.

  “So, what do you know about this woman who runs the agency…Miss Ella Milton?” her father asked as they journeyed away from the manor.

  Caroline watched the countryside pass by while fidgeting with one of her loose strawberry blond curls. She avoided looking at Daddy, fearing if she did, he would see the apprehension in her eyes. “I know she helped Cousin Lottie find a suitable match. They are very happy and living in Pelican Rapids. Perhaps I will be blessed enough to live close.” He made a noise of approval deep in his throat, but remained quiet, silently conveying he was apprehensive about her decision even though he supported her.

  The silent half-hour trip to the train station seemed to take years, but when they arrived, Caroline found herself wishing for a few more moments with her dear father. “Daddy, I…” she started to say, but the words caught deep in her throat and tears filled her eyes.

  He reached up and wiped a stray tear, pausing to cup her cheek in his palm. “I know, dear one. I know. You’ve got to go and I understand your reasons. Deep down I always knew you were born with wings to fly away from this place. I’m at peace with that. Just promise you’ll write often?”

  She nodded and put her hand over his, sniffling. “I promise.”

  “Now, we better hurry. You have a train to catch.” He hugged Caroline and then stepped out of the buggy, coming around to the other side to help her down. Then they walked arm in arm to the back to collect her belongings. Caroline eyed a medium-sized package wrapped in brown paper with a lavender ribbon tied around it. “What’s this, Daddy?”

  He let out a soft chuckle. “You’re to open this on the train—your Mama’s instructions,
not mine.”

  She hugged the package close to her. Mama had said goodbye after all—in her own way. “Tell Mama I love her. I’ll write as soon as I arrive in Pelican Rapids.”

  “I’ll tell her.”

  They walked to the train depot, her left arm linked with her father’s and her right clinging to her portmanteau and the package from her Mama. After purchasing her ticket and sending her larger trunk with some attendants loading the storage compartment of the train, she said farewell to her father before boarding and finding her seat. As soon as she had her belongings situated, she looked out the window and spotted her father waiting on the platform. He smiled and waved, trying to look at ease for her sake, yet, Caroline saw him wipe a stray tear with the back of his sleeve.

  Within a few minutes, the train whistle blew and let off some steam. Then with a loud gush, jerk and chug, the train started to pull away. Caroline waved until her arm was sore and Daddy drifted out of sight. With tears still clouding her eyes, she loosened the ribbon on the package from Mama and unfolded the brown paper. The colorful patterns of fabric in various shapes and sizes caught her attention and she hugged the treasured item close like she would have embraced Mama if she’d come out to bid her farewell. It had been one of the few things salvaged after their manor was ransacked during the war. It was tattered in many places, having been found discarded by the side of the road, but still mostly intact.

  She set the paper aside and noticed a letter tucked into a fold in the quilt. Caroline removed the envelope and opened it with care, savoring the opportunity to hear one last thing from her mama before departing too far from home. It was penned in flawless cursive and smelled of her mother’s perfume.

  My Dearest Daughter,

  I must confess, my heart is broken, which is why I could not bear to say farewell in person. I know by the time you read this you will be on your way north. I am not keen on this decision. It is reckless and foolish in my opinion. However, I feel we have been having this same conversation since you were a child. You have always had an independent spirit, like your grandmother. For this reason, I am sending a little piece of her with you.

  I apologize for the ragged condition her quilt is in. Had you allowed me time, I would have repaired it and given it to you before your wedding day. However, given the circumstances, this will have to do.

  As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers, my daughter. When you arrive, please send word. When you tire of this wild, reckless venture of yours, come home to us. I will be waiting with open arms.

  Your loving and devoted mother,

  Lorretta Ann Kennedy

  When Caroline finished the letter, she stared out the window for a long time, watching the landscape go by. Her mother’s words had both comforted and stung deeply at the same time. She had made her peace, but also implied her plans to find a husband would fail—almost sounded hopeful they would.

  She knew her mother would never write words to intentionally try to hurt her, but they often did. Caroline often felt her wild spirit was a disappointment to her mother, but she couldn’t pretend to be someone else.

  Caroline tucked the letter into her bag and pushed it far from her mind. From that moment forward, she determined to be happy for the remainder of her trip. After all, how many times did one have the opportunity to travel all the way across the country on an adventure such as this? She intended to enjoy every moment of it.

  Chapter Two

  “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

  Roman’s 15:13 NLT

  The train ride through the countryside had been a thrilling experience for Caroline, but before she knew it, her journey was almost over. During a stop near St. Paul, she had the opportunity to venture into the town. The afternoon was sweltering and having little time to return to the train station, she chose the first little shop and went in search of fabric.

  Her grandmother had used a variety of fine fabrics for her quilt from old dresses she had grown out of as a child, pieces of her children’s clothing and even a scarf she had purchased in England during her travels there. Caroline knew whatever she chose had to mean something special. Upon entering, she was sorely disappointed with the selection. Bolts of cloth with the rich colors she looked for were scarce as hen’s teeth. It appeared the store was mainly designed for travelers wanting pre-made items and not those looking to create. However, she spotted a gorgeous red parasol, lined with lace, matching her gown.

  After much deliberation, she splurged and purchased the parasol before heading back in the direction of the train station. Halfway there, she opened it to shield herself from the sun beating down on her head. She’d just turned around a bend when a blast of warm wind blew the red accessory right out of her hand.

  “No, come back!” she shouted, gathering her skirts and dashing in the opposite direction she had intended to go. The parasol tumbled and rolled through the dusty streets as she continued to call for it. As foolish as it sounded, calling for an accessory as if it were a runaway dog, she couldn’t help it. She’d spent good money on it and had no intention of giving up without a fight. She continued to pursue it until running into something solid.

  “Whoa there, Miss. Where are you going in such a hurry?”

  Caroline’s gaze slowly moved upward, past the man’s broad chest to his handsome face and kind green eyes. “I-I’m s-so sorry. I’m normally not so careless. It’s just…”

  “Oh, it’s quite all right,” the man interrupted. “You were obviously in distress. How can I help?”

  She bit her lip for a moment and then stammered while pointing past him. “Oh, it-it’s a silly parasol I never should have purchased. It escaped from my hand and…”

  He turned, spotting where it had come to rest in the dirt by a salesperson’s cart. After picking it up and attempting to dust if off with his hand, he handed it back to her. “It’s a little worse for wear, Miss, but it can be washed I’m sure.”

  She thanked him and attempted to dust it off. “I appreciate your kindness, sir. Now I shall be on my way. My train leaves shortly.” Caroline started to turn, but nothing looked familiar. She craned her neck one way and then the other as a lump formed in her throat and a tear formed in the corner of her eye. “Oh dear. I can’t remember how to return to the train station now.”

  He pulled a blue, flower-print handkerchief out of a brown sack and handed it to her. “Please don’t cry, Miss. It is easy to become lost here in the city. I will escort you back to the train station if you wish.”

  Caroline sniffled and dabbed at her eyes with the silk hanky before studying his face for a moment. His expression seemed sincere and his green eyes were kind, yet could she trust a man she’d met only moments ago? After some careful deliberation, she came to the conclusion she had no choice. “All right,” she murmured with a nod. “I suppose.”

  He smiled and offered his preferred arm. “So, may I ask what a lovely young lady such as yourself is doing in the city without an escort?”

  She tucked one hand into the crook of his arm and they started walking in the direction from whence she came. “I have traveled from the south to meet my future husband for the first time,” she explained, careful to leave out specifics while conversing with a stranger.

  “You are brave traveling all this way to marry a man you’ve never met in person.”

  Caroline lifted her chin. “It was all arranged through a mail-order bride agency. I feel confident in my decision. We have written a few letters and seem compatible.”

  The man nodded as they continued walking. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to imply you were making a hasty decision. I did not realize there were agencies who arranged such things. Now I do.”

  Caroline craned her head and offered him a kind smile. “There is no need to apologize, sir. I know my plans must sound strange to you. I wouldn’t have even consider
ed marrying a complete stranger a year or two ago, but my cousin found a wonderful husband in this way. After much prayer and consideration, I made the decision to travel to Minnesota and meet him.”

  “I see,” the man said. “Well, I wish you all the best, miss. I am sure you will find happiness in your new life.”

  “Thank you, sir. Now may I ask, what brings you to St. Paul?”

  “Family business.” He paused while they crossed the street and turned a corner. “My paternal grandparents were from this area. They passed years ago, but it was recently discovered they left an inheritance to be split between their five grandchildren. Being the firstborn grandchild in the family, it fell to me to speak with the lawyer and settle the estate.” He shrugged. “So here I am, all the way from the Missouri Ozarks.”

  Caroline’s eye widened. “It must be a considerably large sum of money you inherited if he wished to speak with you in person. I know much can be done by mail these days.”

  He nodded and she caught a hint of blond hair under his hat. “Split five ways, it is not enough to make one wealthy. However, it will help my family considerably. I’m afraid money has been tight.”

  “So, the Good Lord is blessing you with these unexpected funds.”

  “Amen. He is very good to us.”

  His response sent goosebumps up her arms. From the way he talked, she could tell he was a good God-fearing man with a family. It made her even more grateful to have met him. If the men in Pelican Rapids were anything like him, she had nothing to worry about.

  Soon the train station came into view, but moments later it was replaced with alarm as the train whistle blew. “It’s leaving the station!”