Walk Away West
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WALK AWAY WEST
Journey of Cornelia Rose – Book 2
Copyright © 2020 J.F. Collen
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ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622536363
ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-636-8
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Editor: Kimberly Goebel
Cover Artist: Kabir Shah
Interior Designer: Lane Diamond
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
At the end of this novel of approximately 81,382 words, you will find two Special Sneak Previews: 1) PIONEER PASSAGE by J.F. Collen, the third novel from this “Journey of Cornelia Rose” series, and; 2) SOUL OF THE ELEPHANT by Pam Laughlin (Book 1 of “The Kind Mahout” series), an historical fiction piece set in India more than a century ago, which we think you’ll enjoy. We provide these as a FREE extra service, and you should in no way consider it a part of the price you paid for this book. We hope you will both appreciate and enjoy the opportunity. Thank you.
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eBook License Notes:
You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
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Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously. Additionally, the dialogue in this book accurately reflects life speech in the 1850s. The language and terminology used by the characters has been only moderately censored and does not reflect the opinions, sensibilities, or culture of the author or publisher.
Books by J.F. Collen
THE JOURNEY OF CORNELIA ROSE
Book 1: Flirtation on the Hudson
Book 2: Walk Away West
Book 3: Pioneer Passage
Book 4: The Path of Saints and Sinners
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www.JFCollen.com
What Others Are Saying about FLIRTATION ON THE HUDSON:
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“I was immediately captivated with this story, particularly given the period it was set in and the area where it takes place. It is the late 1800s and the Hudson River Valley history was beautifully woven into the story line. J.F. Collen does a fantastic job of capturing the dialect of the time as much as the etiquette and conduct of what was required to be a lady of those times. She guides her audience on a delicious ride of whimsical flirtations and shenanigans through the coquettish antics of main character, Nellie. She artfully knows when to pull Nellie back with her forwardness just when the reader anticipates she is about to cross a line. Even in the 1800s there were scoundrels lurking in the shadows to take advantage of unsuspecting damsels and yet, Collen plays out tasteful scenes in confident artistry through superb word placement. Nellie Entwhistle is a richly developed character with personality personified and I look forward to the next book in this delightful series. Well done! I am a fan.” ~ Feathered Quill Book Reviews, Diane Lunsford
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“This is a beautiful story and the author brings to life a period of history with its traits and way of life.... Flirtation on the Hudson is real; a narrative that features elaborately developed characters and adventures that will keep readers entertained. JF Collen combines humor and wit in a work that is hugely entertaining. I enjoyed every bit of this story.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Christian Sia (5 STARS)
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“Flirtation on The Hudson is an enjoyable read and is perfect for those wanting to move away from dark, angst-ridden novels and who are looking for something lighter but no less thrilling. While it is set in the mid-19th century J. F. Collen’s plucky young heroine in Flirtation on The Hudson will nonetheless resonate with readers of today who may be going on their own journeys in life as they follow Cornelia’s spirit of adventure and genuine charm.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Kayti Nika Raet (5 STARS)
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“Cornelia Rose is reckless and naïve, feisty and flirtatious, a rebel and a romantic. One moment she desires to be a midwife, the next in the theater! Yet, she is bold and intelligent in her pursuit of knowledge and local history, making her a brilliant conversationalist. These conflicting attributes make her an interesting, humorously frustrating at times), dynamic character.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Cheryl E. Rodriguez (5 STARS)
BONUS CONTENT
We’re pleased to offer you not one, but two Special Sneak Previews at the end of this book.
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In the first preview, you’ll enjoy the First 2 Chapters of PIONEER PASSAGE, the third book in this great series.
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TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON THIS GREAT SERIES,
PLEASE STAY TUNED TO OUR WEBSITE HERE:
THE JOURNEY OF CORNELIA ROSE Series at Evolved Publishing
In the second preview, you’ll enjoy the First Chapter of Pam Laughlin’s compelling historical adventure, SOUL OF THE ELEPHANT.
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“Rather like the man-eating tiger (perhaps a man-tiger) who insidiously patrols the opening chapters of Pam Laughlin’s novel, Soul of the Elephant, this book excels at sneaking up on its reader, solely intent on devouring him whole. Which, piece by piece, chapter by chapter, increasingly ravenous, it does... Within an intensely engaging, dramatic, compelling narrative, choreographed meticulously well by Ms. Laughlin, many delicious morsels are provided for meditative savoring. These include the formidability of the natural world, how humans relate to their parental world (and each other, and their animal brothers), and, wondrously, how our relationship to spirit flavors each of these interactions. ...a well-told, truly captivating story.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Joel R. Dennstedt (5 STARS)
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OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!
FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:
THE KIND MAHOUT Series at Evolved Publishing
Table of Contents
Copyright
Books by J.F. Collen
What Others Are Saying
BONUS CONTENT
Table of Contents
Dedication
WALK AWAY WEST
PART ONE
Chapter 1 – When We Get Behind Closed Doors
Chapter 2 – No Ordinary Love
Chapter 3 – Sailing
Chapter 4 – I’m in Heaven When You Smile
Chapter 5 – Seems Like Old Times
Chapter 6 – In the Air Tonight
Chapter 7 – Help!
Chapter 8 – The Long Day Is Over
Chapter 9 – My Blue Heaven
Chapter 10 – That’s the Way of the World
Chapter 11 – Stand By Me
Chapter 12 – What a Wonderful World
Chapter 13 – An Innocent Man
Chapter 14 – Top of the World
Chapter 15 – Magic Time
; PART TWO
Chapter 16 – Cornelia Street
Chapter 17 – I Would Do Anything for Love
Chapter 18 – No Woman No Cry
Chapter 19 – We May Never Pass this Way Again
Chapter 20 – What a Difference a Day Makes
Chapter 21 – Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay
Chapter 22 – It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas
Chapter 23 – There’s No Place like Home for the Holidays
Chapter 24 – I Try to Say Goodbye and I Choke
Chapter 25 – I Don’t Know Where I’m Going but I’m on My Way
Chapter 26 – Stranded
Chapter 27 – Stop! In the Name of Love
Chapter 28 – Bright Side of the Road
Chapter 29 – Southern Man
Chapter 30 – Escape
Chapter 31 – You’re My Home
Special Sneak Preview: PIONEER PASSAGE by J.F. Collen
Acknowledgements
About the Author
More from J.F. Collen
More from Evolved Publishing
Special Sneak Preview: SOUL OF THE ELEPHANT by Pam Laughlin
Dedication
To my band of hardy travelers, thank you for your love and support. May we continue to grow in number.
PART ONE
Chapter 1 – When We Get Behind Closed Doors
Sing Sing, New York, February 1852
“Ouch!” Startled by a loud thud, Cornelia Rose pricked her finger on her needle. Tarnation that smarts, she thought, tossing her darning egg, with the stocking still dangling over it, onto her table and putting her finger in her mouth. What urgent matter shatters the blissful quiet of this late morning?
Bang, bang, bang!
Mercy! It sounds like a foot hitting the door. Nellie sprang to the entry hall and opened the heavy front door. The posterior of a workman greeted her. Bent over a large object, the man backed his way into the newly created opening, tracking snow and mud from his dirty work boots onto her rug.
“Mercy! What in the world...?” asked Nellie, forced to step aside, and flatten herself against the wall, as the man, followed by a large piece of furniture, and a second red-faced man with bulging biceps, passed in front of her.
“Es machts nichts, it doesn’t matter.” Her mother’s authoritative voice floated over the velvet upholstery, and the two men who carried it, to Nellie’s ear squashed against the wardrobe’s door.
“I have purchased this settee designed by the acclaimed Prussian furniture maker, Julius Dessoir....” Mrs. Gertrude Entwhistle’s stout figure filled the doorway at the tail end of the men holding the sofa. “It complements the carved rosewood armchairs you inherited from your Aunt Elizabeth Dowling. Consider it my little gift to the newlyweds.”
“Another gift among so many?” Nellie extended her arm to hug her mother, but the woman charged through the alcove so briskly the gesture became a mere pat on her shoulder.
Nellie followed her into their formal room. “I do so adore the carved birds and flowers that adorn the sofa’s lavish Louis XIV’s form,” she gushed. “What a stylish parlor you have helped me fashion around our extravagant marble fireplace.” Nellie forced herself to ignore the trail of dirty footprints and admire the intricately wrought figures in the curved rosewood back and arms of the sofa.
“Now you simply must purchase the sideboard and étagère to complete the suite,” proclaimed her mother, arms crossed, scanning the bare walls of the parlor.
One of the workmen leaned, adjusted the carpet under the couch and straightened, a groan escaping his lips.
“Mr. McNamara,” cried Nellie. “What ails you?”
“Jist me back,” he said in his thick Irish brogue, a smile lighting up his broad, wrinkled face. “‘Tis a occupational hazard, ‘tis.”
“I have just the thing! Tarry a moment, please.” Nellie ran to the larder, shouting, “Midwife Rafferty and I have perfected the recipe for a poultice curing muscle strain: mustard seed stirred into rye and boiling water.” She was back in a whirl of petticoats and handed him a neatly wrapped white parcel.
“You must dip this entire packet, bound as it is in the linen, in boiling water, just until it is warmed through. Apply it to the aggravated area,” Nellie prescribed.
Mr. McNamara took it with his thanks. “I know’d from t’ moment I saw ye, a wee colleen, hanging around t’ diggin’ o’ t’ Croton Aqueduct, way back in ‘42: yer were a Lady and there warn’t no flies on ye. Sure n’ begora, I could tell ye had t’ markings. Ye must be the apple o’ yer proud fadder’s eye. Right capable ye are.”
Nellie blushed and gave a little curtsey. “Give my best regards to your wife, and that whole brood of McNamaras you call your children. I fondly recall, I was there, assisting Midwife Rafferty, when the last one of them was born.”
“Mebbe not the last,” laughed Mr. McNamara.
Nellie’s blush deepened at his implication. Quite the droll rogue! The men turned to leave, wiping their feet on the doormat on their way out.
Nellie laughed out loud.
Her husband, Obadiah, appeared in the open doorway, glanced at the retreating deliverymen, wiped his feet, and approached the parlor. He greeted both women with a perfunctory kiss and fixed his look on the sofa, his aspect betraying disapproval.
“To whom do we owe the debt of gratitude for this marvelous piece of furniture?” he asked, forcing a smile on his face.
“I decided you simply must have a Dessoir settee to create the appropriate ambiance in your parlor,” proclaimed Mrs. Entwhistle.
Obadiah took her hand and bowed over it. “My gratitude is yours. We will be the most fashionable newlyweds in town. A luxurious sofa in our humble abode will cause the entire dwelling to aspire to further greatness.”
Mrs. Entwhistle looked confused, but Nellie laughed.
“Mutter, you must acclimate yourself to Mr. Wright’s sense of humor. There are few men in Sing Sing, nay few men in the whole metropolis of New York, as witty as my new husband.”
Now it was her mother’s turn to look disapproving.
Obadiah quickly tried to make amends. “You and Mr. Entwhistle have graced us with truly a most generous gift. We shall cherish every moment spent reposing on such a fine piece of furniture.”
Obadiah coughed. “I have but a short time for my noon repast....” He bowed and turned toward the hallway. “If you will pardon my hasty retreat to the kitchen?”
“Tarnation!” said Nellie, picking up her voluminous skirts and scurrying past her mother into the kitchen.
“Be mindful of your vocabulary, Cornelia. Have you still not broken yourself of that vile habit? ‘Tis a word most unsuitable for the lexicon of a woman of your upbringing....”
Nellie gave her mother a quick but enthusiastic hug and a warm kiss on her way past.
Mrs. Entwhistle called, “I will see you anon at Mass on Sunday. Do not neglect the sauerkraut for our family dinner—cooking it is your responsibility this week. We anticipate twenty-two, not counting Agnes’ new little one, of course. Be sure to simmer it until the cabbage is soft and succulent—not crunchy! The last time our menu included your sauerkraut, it was a bit too al dente for my liking.
“And mind, do not forget we depart for the theater promptly at noon on Saturday next. Good day to you both!”
In the kitchen, already ladling oxtail soup, Nellie risked further disapproval from her mother by shouting, “Fret not, Mutter, I shall comply with your detailed instructions. Toot-a-loo!”
“Cornelia, do not corrupt the French expression á tout á l’heure, or I shall not desire to see you at a later time. Gott im Himmel, God in Heaven....” Mrs. Entwhistle’s retreating voice found its way back to Nellie’s kitchen.
Nellie shrugged and took her seat at their small kitchen table, chattering away as she and her husband enjoyed their noontime dinner.
Suddenly, Obadiah pushed back his chair and declared, “I will not have our treasury frittered away
on a matching suite of parlor furniture made by anyone, Julius Dessoir notwithstanding.” He paused at Cornelia’s thunderstruck look.
“Come, come, my dear bride, do not look so deluded. I am merely cognizant of conserving funds for our newly booked and ticketed honeymoon.” Obadiah’s face lit up with a huge grin.
Nellie shouted and leapt into his arms, bumping into the table, sloshing soup everywhere. Her surprise and joy erupted in fervent kisses.
“Come, come,” said Obadiah again, but this time with an entirely different tone in his voice. He disentangled himself from her arms. Nellie opened her mouth to protest, but Obadiah laughed. “I simply defer to the more practical side of my nature.” He tapped his head. “If you carry on in this passionate manner, my subject of communication shall be wiped clean from my mind, and replaced by a subject of an entirely different nature!”
Nellie blushed bright crimson, but Obadiah did not notice, for he had taken her by the hand and led her to their newly acquired couch.
“We depart Thursday next,” he began.
“But what of your obligations to Judge Urmay?” Nellie interrupted.
“I have arranged for a sabbatical of two weeks’ time,” Obadiah rubbed his hands together with satisfaction. “To begin, I have booked tickets on the Hudson Day Line for a luxurious and leisurely cruise up your beloved Hudson River, to the flourishing capital of our fair state, Albany. At this destination....”
“How long do we stay?” interrupted Nellie again.
Obadiah laughed, and playfully clamped his hand over her mouth. “You are teasing us both with your constant interruptions. May it please the court, I continue?” he looked at her with mock severity. “I promise I will quickly sketch our agenda and then permit you free rein to pepper me with all the inquiries you can contrive. Interrogate me to your heart’s content. Here, look at the dossier I have prepared; you can see it is quite specific.”
Nellie examined the paper covered with Obadiah’s fine penmanship as he pointed out each delightful detail.