Orphan Train Escape

by Rachel Wesson

  Bridget colored as she sensed Carolyn Rees had seen inside her heart, but thankfully the other woman didn’t say anything.

  “We would love to take in your brother and sister. It would be a dream come true.” Carolyn exchanged a loving glance with her husband.

  Bridget could only imagine the pain these two lovely people had gone through losing their own children. She was certain they would give her siblings a wonderful home full of love.

  “How do they feel about it?” Mr. Rees asked, his voice gruff.

  “I haven’t told them yet,” Bridget admitted. She’d put it off, telling herself she didn’t want to get their hopes up, but the reality was she wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

  “Oh my, the poor dears,” Carolyn said. “They will hate losing you. Not that we would like to lose you, Bridget. I speak for my husband and myself when we say we would like to adopt you as well. I mean you are too old to become our child, but we would love you to feel as if this is your home too.”

  Bridget couldn’t believe her ears. “You would?”

  “Yes, we would. We have plenty of space so if you decided to travel, you could come and stay with us whenever you wished.” Carolyn moved to sit beside Bridget and took her hand. “You are giving us the greatest, most valuable gift anyone can give another: a family. We consider you to be a part of that family.”

  Bridget couldn’t hold back the tears and soon both herself and Carolyn were sobbing.

  “Perhaps you could show me that horse again, Geoff. I rather fancy a walk,” Reverend Franklin suggested, his voice shaking slightly.

  Bridget and Carolyn exchanged a smile as the men almost ran out of the house.

  “Men, they can never cope when the tears start falling,” Carolyn commented with a fond look at her husband’s retreating back.

  Bridget blew her nose. She didn’t know what to say.

  “Forgive me for being nosy, but am I right in thinking Mr. Watson may have stolen a bit of your heart?” Carolyn asked.

  “Is it that obvious? I wouldn’t want Reverend Franklin thinking I’m casual with my affections,” Bridget said.

  “No dear, only to another woman. The men have no idea.”

  Bridget took a deep breath, glad to have another person to discuss her thoughts with.

  “Yes, he has. I tried my best to fight it as I’d promised to marry Brian. I didn’t do anything, you know, to show him I liked him. But yes, I admit to finding him intriguing and attractive.”

  “And does he feel the same?” Carolyn asked.

  “He’s an honorable man and as far as he was concerned I was spoken for.”

  “But?” Carolyn asked.

  “Yes, I hope so,” Bridget admitted. “I think so. Oh, I don’t know. I don’t have much experience with men.”

  “Will you write to him to tell him you are no longer spoken for?”

  “No, not at the moment,” Bridget said. “Other things take priority, such as getting the children settled. I have to go back to New York and check on my sisters. Kathleen is young and vulnerable. Mrs. Grayson has offered a suggestion and I want to discuss it with Kathleen, in person.”

  Bridget told Carolyn of Mrs. Grayson’s plans.

  “Mrs. Grayson is a wise woman,” Carolyn said, nodding. “Not only will Kathleen benefit but so will she. The women in town will want pretty dresses, and the store under the boarding house is the place to buy material. Kathleen can come out to see the children. We would be delighted to have her, and I am sure the children would be thrilled.”

  “I think it will work out well for both of them. Kathleen would enjoy coming to see you and the children.”

  “Both of you will always be welcome, Bridget. If Kathleen was happy, would you feel free to live your life?” Carolyn looked her straight in the eye. Bridget couldn’t look away.

  “I can’t chase after him, but Mr. Watson works for the Outplacement Society. So, if I follow my dreams, our paths are likely to cross again.”

  “What of your older sister? Will she be against this adoption?”

  Bridget could feel her heart harden at the mention of Maura’s name. She had betrayed her trust when she signed the letter allowing Annie and Liam to be adopted by just anyone.

  “No, she won’t stop it. Maura is glad to be rid of us.”

  “You can’t mean that, Bridget. I know I don’t know her but you, Annie, and Liam have been raised well. Your sister shares your blood and your parents. She must have a good heart too. Maybe she was frightened?”

  Was it fear that had made Maura act as she had? Bridget didn’t know but she didn’t have the energy to wonder about that now.

  “So, when will we tell Liam and Annie the news? Would you and Geoff like to come into town with me now to fetch them?”

  “We would, but perhaps you would like to have one more night with just the three of you. I can send Geoffrey in to collect you all tomorrow and you can come and stay with us as the children settle in. If you aren’t in a rush back to New York.”

  “I can stay a few days,” Bridget confirmed. She didn’t want to put off the goodbye for too long as it would only be harder.

  Chapter 49

  Bridget returned to the Graysons to find her siblings had been thoroughly spoiled. Mrs. Grayson had put them to bed with a goodnight story and they were fast asleep by the time she got home. She would have to wait until the morning to tell them her news. The night dragged by as she watched her younger siblings sleep. Would they ever understand how hard this decision had been for her? Was she making the right decision? She knew in her head she was, but her heart was challenging her. Was she doing this for them or for her? If she didn’t have the children, she was free to work as an outplacement agent, free to go looking for Carl. What if he didn’t want her? That was a risk she must take. She tossed and turned all night but sleep never came.

  “Liam, Annie, come here into the bed. I have something to tell you,” Bridget said.

  “Ah Bridget, I wanted to go downstairs,” Liam said. “Brian said he would take me hunting.”

  “Not today, darling. Brian has to work. He said he would take you on Saturday.”

  “When’s Saturday, is it tomorrow?” Annie asked. “I don’t want to go.”

  “Girls don’t go hunting silly. You stay here and do dishes and stuff,” Liam said.

  “Children, please don’t fight. This is important,” Bridget said.

  She waited until Liam climbed into the bed, Annie moving closer to her.

  “You know how we found families for the other children on the train. Lizzie and Jacob had a new family and so did Sally.”

  They didn’t answer but their eyes widened. Liam reached for Annie’s hand, ever protective.

  “I am not going to marry Brian,” Bridget said.

  “Why? I like him,” Liam said.

  “I know you do, and he likes you. A lot. You can still spend time together.” Bridget took a deep breath, praying she would find the right words. “Do you remember Mr. and Mrs. Rees from the train?”

  “The lady who told us stories?” Annie asked.

  “The man who was going to let me meet a real Indian?” Liam asked.

  “Yes. Geoff and Carolyn Rees live just a little way outside Riverside Springs. They have a beautiful home, with lots of rooms. They have a barn too and horses and—”

  “Do they have cats?”

  “Yes, Annie, they do. And dogs and chickens.”

  “Why are you telling us about them?” Liam asked, looking suspicious.

  “Liam, they fell in love with you both on the train and they would like you to come and live with them. Both of you,” Bridget said.

  “You’re sending us away?” Liam glared at her, disbelief and anger on his face.

  “I don't want to go away,” Annie sobbed.

  “No, I’m not sending you away. They want to adopt me too,” Bridget said.

  “They do? But you’re old. You don’t need a ma and pa.” Annie’s statement would have been fun
ny if the circumstances were different. Bridget was struggling to see her siblings through her tears. She wanted to gather them to her and never let go. But she couldn’t offer them a life.

  “Geoff is coming into town this morning and he’s going to take the three of us back to his house. I can’t wait for you to see your new bedrooms. You have one each.”

  “I’m not going,” Liam said. “I want to stay with you.”

  “Liam, you have to come. I’m going too,” she said.

  “Are you going to stay there with us?” he asked.

  Tempted to lie, Bridget knew it would only backfire on her later.

  “No darling, not all the time. But I will visit as often as I can. I will write to you too.”

  “Where are you going?” Liam’s accusing tone made Annie move closer to her. She held her sister tighter but looked at Liam when she spoke.

  “Liam, I have tried everything I can think of to keep us together. But I can’t find work and without a job, I don’t have the money to provide us with a house or food.”

  “I can work.”

  “No darling, you can’t. You have to go to school and get an education. I know Mam would want you to do that.” Bridget took a deep breath. “Jobs are scarce in this small town. You will have a better life with the Reeses and they have promised I can come and see you.”

  Liam’s expression didn’t change. She kept talking, trying to make him understand.

  “I am going back to New York but not to stay. I want to help other children find families. Sad children who don’t have anyone else.”

  Annie and Liam didn’t say a word but just stared at her for a few long seconds. Then Liam bolted.

  “Liam come back,” she called after him.

  “No, you don’t want us. I hate you.”

  Bridget couldn’t move fast enough to stop him as the door banged after him. Annie sobbed as her little body shuddered. Bridget tried to cuddle her, but Annie held herself rigid.

  Chapter 50

  Brian walked up the street toward the store. He had lots of things to do but he knew Bridget was telling the children about their new living arrangements today and sensed she may need some support.

  He was glad he had as he spotted Liam bolt from the Grayson’s store. He ran after the boy, afraid the child would get lost in unfamiliar surroundings.

  “Hey, Liam, wait. I can’t run as fast as you.”

  Liam stopped running away and instead ran toward him. Next thing he knew, the child was aiming kicks and punches at Brian.

  “I hate you. If you married Bridget, she wouldn’t be giving us away.”

  Brian put his arms around the small, frightened boy and gathered him close, holding him until the fight left his body and the sobs came.

  “I know you’re angry with me but believe me I wanted you. And Annie. But I don’t have the money to support a family. Bridget has done her best. She loves you more than anything.”

  “Why can’t you keep us? I’ll work hard as anything. I don’t eat much either.”

  “Liam, look at me.” Brian bent down to the boy’s level. “I was the same as you once. My folks died, and I left New York on a train like the one you took. But I didn’t have a big sister looking after me.”

  “Did you get a good family?” Liam asked.

  “I got a home but no, not a family. Bridget doesn’t want that to happen to you and Annie. You met Geoff and Carolyn Rees. You told me about them, remember?”

  Liam didn’t say anything.

  “You said they were really nice to you on the train and Mr. Rees had an Indian friend. Do you remember his name?”

  “Red Charlie.”

  “Wouldn’t you like to meet Mr. Rees and his wife again? Bridget says they’re lovely people and she wouldn’t let you go to anyone who wasn’t nice.”

  “I don’t want anyone. I want to stay with Bridget.”

  “She wants that too Liam, but sometimes life doesn’t give us what we want,” Brian said. “If you stay in Riverside Springs, Bridget can help children who have nobody else. She will come to visit you and Annie as much as she can. She won’t ever forget you.”

  “Why did God let our ma die? She wouldn’t have given us away.”

  “Nobody is giving you away, Liam. I can’t answer your question about God, perhaps you could ask Reverend Franklin. But for now, do you think you could come and get breakfast with me? I’m starving.”

  Liam nodded. Then asked, “Are you still going to take me hunting?”

  “I think your new pa would like to do that, but I can come with you if he says it’s okay.”

  “So, you’ll still be my friend?”

  “Yes, Liam, I will always be your friend. You and Annie, you’re special.”

  Liam scuffed the ground. “I guess I could eat some pancakes.”

  “Pancakes sound good to me. Let’s go see if Mrs. Grayson has some.”

  Brian stood and together they walked toward the store. Bridget came running when she saw them.

  “Oh, Liam, darling, I was so worried.”

  “We were just having a talk. He wants some pancakes.” Brian motioned to Bridget to just leave it be. There was little point in admonishing the child for running away. His little life had turned upside down so many times, he was just overwhelmed.

  “Thank you, Brian,” she said.

  “Don’t thank me. I need pancakes too.” He smiled at her. She was a lovely woman and would make someone a fine wife. But to him, she was like a sister now. Funny that. Someday he would like to marry but first he wanted to secure a future for the family he hoped to have.

  Chapter 51

  Geoff Rees arrived just as Liam and Brian were finishing their pancakes. The poor man looked more nervous than the children.

  “Come in, Mr. Rees. Would you like some coffee?” Mrs. Grayson asked, her face full of sympathy.

  “No thank you, ma’am.”

  Bridget guessed Carolyn was waiting for them on tenterhooks. She washed the children’s hands and faces before telling them to say goodbye to Brian and Mrs. Grayson.

  “Mr. Rees, can Brian come with us? To see your place? He’s my friend.”

  “He can but he may have work to do, Liam.”

  “Do ya?” Liam asked Brian.

  Bridget knew the mountain of chores Brian had. She was about to decline on his behalf but didn’t get a chance.

  “If Mr. Rees wouldn’t mind, I would like that, Liam.”

  “I don’t mind at all. And the name’s Geoff.”

  “Thank you, Geoff. Liam and I had a talk today about going hunting. We’d plans to go this Saturday.”

  “Mind if I tag along?” Geoff asked. “I can’t remember the last time I went hunting.”

  Bridget had to squeeze the tears back. Geoff was asking permission, yet he was about to become Liam’s pa. She saw her younger brother soaking it all in and, for the first time this morning, a smile appeared on his face.

  “Liam and Annie, I have something small for both of you.” Mrs. Grayson handed Annie a cloth doll and gave Liam a small bow and arrow.

  “It’s not a toy, Liam,” she said. “Your pa will show you how to use it.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Grayson,” Liam said.

  “I will see you next Sunday at Church.”

  The children nodded. Bridget gave her friend a hug. “I will see you in a few days,” she whispered, noting the tears on the older woman’s cheeks.

  “Come on everyone, let’s go,” Geoff said, taking control.

  Geoff secured their little case in the buggy and then they all climbed into it save for Brian who rode his horse. The little party took off with the children waving to Mrs. Grayson.

  Overwhelmed, Bridget stayed quiet the whole trip. Geoff filled the silence by pointing out to the young ’uns different things in town first and then in the countryside.

  “Is Red Charlie at your house?” Liam asked.

  “No, he’s away with his own people. But he comes to visit sometimes.”
<
br />   “When?”

  “I don’t know when he will arrive. He just shows up, stays for a few days and then disappears again,” Geoff said.

  “Will he teach me how to use this?” Liam asked, raising the bow from his lap.

  “I can teach you that, son.”

  “You know how to use a bow and arrow? Wow,” Liam said, sounding excited. “Will you show me how to shoot a gun, too?”

  “In time.”

  Bridget gasped.

  “It’s important all boys know how to protect their families,” Geoff explained. “But we’ll be careful, don’t you worry.”

  Bridget would worry, but she knew Geoff was right. There were lots of wild animals around and maybe one day Liam would have to shoot one. She hoped that was sometime far in the future.

  “This here is our land,” Geoff said as they approached the large property. “You’ll see the house shortly.”

  “You own all this?” Liam looked around him.

  “Yes, son we do.”

  “Are they yours as well?” Liam pointed out the horses in the field.

  “Yes. One of them will be yours and we’ll have to get a small pony for Annie.”

  “You’re giving me a horse?” Liam gaped at the man.

  “How else do you think you’ll get into town? It’s a man’s work, owning a horse. You got to treat it right. Isn’t that true, Brian?”

  “Sure is. You got to make sure you rub her down and give her water and oats to eat. You can’t look after yourself till your horse is cared for. I don’t know if you are old enough yet, Liam.”

  “I am. I am nearly seven. That’s a man’s age.”

  Bridget spotted Carolyn waiting at the door, the poor woman was rubbing her hands up and down on her dress and looking nervous.

  Geoff pulled up outside the house allowing Carolyn to come forward.

  “Carolyn, this is Brian Curran, a particular friend of Liam’s. Liam asked him to come along.”