Now, as I sit up in my bed, rubbing my eyes, I’m looking forward to going to the bridge with Oliver. I hadn’t gone because he told me he still wanted to come but he naturally, hasn’t been feeling up to coming with me.
I told him it was just a bridge and I’d be fine on my own, but he said he’d never seen this one before.
It has been a busy month. I’ve had a few letters from home and Abigale, have been to Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Walker’s Bakery quite a bit and spent a lot of time with the Hayes family.
“So, Lydia, what are you going to do today?” Jane asks, her voice soft as she hangs the necklace around my neck.
I smile, reaching to touch my hand to the smooth, cold necklace. “I’m going to Wentworth Bridge with Oliver.”
She pauses for a few seconds. “That was the one you were meant to go to…the day his father…”
She doesn’t have to finish saying it before I nod.
After a short pause, Jane lets out a breath. “Well I’m sure it will be a good day for you both.”
I smile. “It will be nice for Oliver to have a bit of a distraction for a while.”
“I’m sure it will be.”
As Jane leaves the room, I stand and look at myself in the tall mirror behind the door.
The dress I’m wearing is the blue ribbon one my sisters made me. My hair is done up in my new favorite way of wearing it. I know once I go home, though, I will no longer be able to do this because Jane always does it for me.
A white gem hangs on a silver chain around my neck. I’ve never really noticed how much I’ve changed these past couple of months I’ve been in Northwood. It seems like I’m standing a little taller, and my eyes are wide open. My lips are upturned in a content smile most of the time, whereas before my natural face at home was a frown.
It seems that since coming here, I’ve grown up and faced some of my biggest fears. And I know that I’m ready to go home soon, even though, I will miss Northwood. I’m not sure where my future will lead me, however, I know for sure I need to see my family soon.
Maybe I’ll come back here and stay with Grandma. Hazel could even come with me this time. Because I don’t want to have to leave Oliver. But at the same time, it would be difficult for me to come back and forth from the farm to Northwood all the time.
I realize I’m caught in the middle of living two lives—between two things I love—and it’s tearing me in two.
* * *
The carriage bounces down the street as we make our way to Oliver’s house. I’m looking forward to going to Wentworth Bridge. I’m not even too sure where it is, but the chauffeur says he knows.
After a short ride, the carriage stops, and I wait until the door opens, and Oliver climbs in next to me.
He gives me a quick kiss on the forehead before adjusting the collar of his shirt. “Good morning, Lydia.”
“Good morning. How are you doing?”
He takes my hand. “I’m well, and so are Ophelia and Ada.”
“I’m glad.”
We sit quietly for a little while, and I just look out the window. After a few minutes, I turn to face him again. “Oliver?”
“Yes?”
“After we go to this bridge, I think I have to go back home.”
He doesn’t say anything for a few seconds before he eventually gives me a sad smile. “You don’t have to go right away. Just live each day and when you feel you’re ready, then go.”
I let out a breath, tipping my head back to let it lean against the back of the carriage. “I’m just so confused. When I first thought about coming here, I imagined me rushing through everything and then going home. I never thought that I’d…I’d find somewhere I think I like more than I thought. I love it here. And at home. But the thought of leaving here forever terrifies me, but so does staying here forever.”
Oliver doesn’t say anything and feeling frustrated I let my head rest on his shoulder.
“It’ll work out.”
I sigh. “How do you know that?”
“I’m not sure, Lydia, but you’ll find where you’re meant to be,” he says quietly.
We ride the rest of the way in silence. I keep my head on his shoulder until we stop, the chauffeur helping us out.
As soon as my feet are on the ground, I look around at all that’s going on around me.
We’re standing on a small dirt road and in the distance is a small stone bridge going over the slow moving blue river under it. It’s wide enough for a wagon to get over it and has walls of the same stone to stop people falling off.
Nearby, there aren’t many buildings. Only a few houses and a small field. I realize this must be a nearby area where farming happens. And it’s also where my parents met.
Taking a hesitant step toward the bridge, I feel Oliver’s hand take mine.
We make our way down the dirt road to the bridge. As we step onto the bridge, the sound of our shoes hitting the stone makes a crisp musical sound. I pull away from Oliver and rush to the side of the bridge to look over at the river.
It’s quite lovely here. There are many bright green trees along the edge of the river, and the bird singing reminds me of what home is like.
I rest my hands on the top of the stone wall, and rest my chin on my arm, letting out a long breath.
Oliver stands beside me, his hands in his pockets.
I’m not sure how long I remain like this. I think about how my journey had begun and how it has all turned out. I also think about how much I’ve learned about Ma since coming here. It’s been so wonderful.
“Lydia?” Oliver asks, his voice hesitant.
I lift my arms off the wall and turn to face him.
“I’m so glad you got lost that day you got off the train.”
Letting out a laugh, I nod. “Me too.”
He reaches for both of my hands. “Lydia Carter, would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
As soon as he says it, I begin to cry, trying to wipe at my eyes. I manage to reply, “Yes, Oliver. Yes! Of course, I will.”
His hands are shaking as he slides the ring he’d had in his pocket onto my hand. He smiles and leans down to kiss me slowly, his eyes lit up with joy.
And I realize now why he so badly wanted to come with me to this small bridge. Because he wanted to ask me to be his wife on the same bridge my ma and pa had met. And at the thought of this, more tears run down my face. He wipes them away gently with his hand. Now I’m not sure where my life will lead me, but I know for sure it will be somewhere with Oliver.
He pulls me into a warm hug, and I rest my chin on his shoulder, smiling like my heart will burst.
“I love you, Lydia,” he says softly.
“I love you too.”
Chapter 33
Mr. Owens shuts the door behind me once I’ve finished saying goodbye to Oliver.
After we’d finished our remarkable time at Wentworth Bridge, we’d rode back and had lunch at Mrs. Taylor’s bakery.
We’d also discussed what our plan is from here on. Oliver says he will get train tickets for him and his sisters to go back to see my family with me. He’ll use the big money his father won before he died. I tried to object, but he only told me his father would’ve wanted them to use the money to go.
Oliver also said we can stay as long as I need to, and we can get married there.
Once we’re ready, I said I’d like to live here in Northwood.
I swallow the lump in my throat. The thought of not living in Nebraska anymore is scary, but I have to admit, Northwood has been really nice to live in. At first the amount of people and places made me nervous, but now I see them as so many people to meet and places to explore.
Perhaps all along, I was meant to be in this kind of place, even though, I’ve been shy my whole life, and still am. Since coming here, I’m not so scared to talk to people and go out.
I’ve noticed that as long as I have some time to be by myself in a day, I get by just fine. And I also realize that it’s perfectly
okay for me to be quiet and shy sometimes, because it’s who I am. But I can’t let it control me all the time. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have made any friends on this journey.
Oliver and I have also agreed we’ll go to visit my family as much as we can.
Now in my room, I sit down and write back to my family. I’d read their letter yesterday evening but hadn’t had time to write back.
Dear family,
I’m happy to hear you are all doing well. And I am good too. I’ve got some big news to share with you. To start, I finished going to all the places Ma wanted me to, and also, Oliver Hayes, the man I’ve mentioned a few times in my letters, has asked me to marry him today.
And of course, I said yes. I hope you can all be happy for me. I’ve discussed it with Oliver, and I’m going to live in Northwood with him and his sisters when we get married.
But don’t worry. I’m coming home in a few weeks once Oliver gets us some train tickets back. I’ll let you know in the next letter what date we’re coming so you can come pick us up. We’re all coming. Me, Oliver, and his two sisters, Ada and Ophelia. We will get married there so you can all meet him and his family, and also attend the wedding.
I always imagined myself living somewhere near you all, and it was a very hard choice. But Oliver has two sisters in his care for now, and it’s easier to just move me here. I also have noticed, though, how much I’ve changed since coming here.
I’ll admit this, Northwood is a truly incredible place for me to be. And I think at this time in my life, I need to do something I’d never thought of doing. And we will still come visit, hopefully once a year.
I love you all and will look forward to seeing you again soon. Please write back as soon as you can, so I can get the date we will arrive to you on time. Or we will send a telegram.
Also, tell Darlene she was right, and always has been.
Love always, Lydia.
Smiling to myself, I fold the letter up and tuck it into an envelope. Standing from the chair, I clutch the letter in my hand.
I leave my room and walk around searching for Jane. This letter needs to be posted as soon as it can be.
I find her sitting at a small table, sewing, what looks like a blouse.
She looks up at me smiling.
“Could you post this letter for me as soon as you get the chance?” I hand it to her and she takes it.
“Of course. How was your time at the bridge?”
I sit down on the chair opposite hers and smile. “It was wonderful. Oliver and I are getting married. He asked me while we were there.”
She covers her mouth with her hands, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, Lydia! That’s so lovely. I suppose that means you’ll be leaving soon?”
“I’m afraid so, Jane. In a few weeks probably. But we’re going to live here in Northwood. So, I’ll be able to visit you when I get back from visiting my family. I’m just upset I won’t be able to have my hair done the way you’ve been doing it for me.”
Jane laughs a little. “We’ve still got a few weeks of you being here. I think I could teach you how to do it in time.”
I stand, motioning for her to do the same. I pull her into a hug and smile. “Thank you, Jane. You are a dear friend.”
“I’m so happy for you, Lydia.”
I pull away, still smiling. “Do you happen to know where Anna is?”
“I believe she’s in the sitting room.”
“Thank you.” I give Jane a smile, before making my way to the staircase. I look down over the railing at the ground. This way of living however, I will not miss.
I will enjoy having my independence back a little and being in the same place as everyone.
Making my way to the sitting room, I find Anna relaxing in a small, elegant armchair sipping at a cup of tea.
“Anna? Could I talk to you?”
She nods, setting her cup down gently on the table beside her.
I sit down on the chair beside hers and fold my hands together in my lap. “I’m going to be leaving your house soon. I’ve finished all that my ma sent me here to do, and I’m also going to be getting married soon.”
Anna’s eyes widen, and she smiles. “Oh, how lovely, dear! Is it that boy that came to the door while you were sick?”
“Yes. Oliver Hayes. I will be here for a few more weeks, I think, until we get train tickets arranged for me to go home to see my family for a while, and also to get married. Then I will be coming to live here with Oliver and his family. Thank you for allowing me to stay here these past few months.”
She tucks a strand of her curled, brown hair behind her ear. “You’re welcome, dear. And I’m glad we’ll still be able to see you. I’m very pleased to hear you’ve found something here in Northwood.”
“You’re right, Anna. I not only found love, but I also found myself.”
Chapter 34
These past few weeks, I’ve spent nearly every day at Oliver’s house visiting with him and his sisters. And every day, he’s walked me back home.
Ada and Ophelia are so excited to go on the train and see where I’d grown up. So is Oliver.
We leave tomorrow at one o’clock.
I’m to go there in the morning, and we will have lunch at their house before boarding the train.
Oliver and I are walking down the familiar path to the Harris’s house. Normally I stay there for supper, and then go back. Today, though, I felt it would be best to leave at lunch so I could have time to pack and say goodbye to the Harris’s.
When we arrive, we stop in front of the staircase.
Oliver smiles. “I’m excited to meet your family. They seem like such kind people.”
“They’re excited to meet you too.” I think back to the letter I’d received after sending them the news.
“Your pa is coming to pick us up, right?”
“He’ll be there.”
Oliver smiles, leaning down to kiss me. I’m so excited for my family to meet him. I know they will like him.
He pulls away, and waves before walking back in the direction of his house. Feeling the surge of excitement course through me, I make my way inside.
When I get to my room, I find Josephine sitting on the chair by the window.
“About time you got back.” She stands. “I’m going to help you pack. And also, Jane told me she put a letter for you on your desk.”
I smile, moving to pick up the letter. “I’m glad you’re going to help me. And I’m terribly sorry I won’t be able to come to your wedding next week.”
She groans. “It’s okay. Trust me, you don’t want to come. My father insisted on inviting every single person he knows who is wealthy. Probably just to intimidate Steven, but it will be packed.”
“I’m sorry, Josephine.”
“It’s all right. Now let’s get packing.”
I set the letter from Abigale back down, deciding I will read it when I finish packing.
Leaning down, I pull my large bag from under the bed and lift it onto the bed.
This reminds me of when I was packing at home. I was so afraid then. I had no idea what to expect when coming out here, and I was with my sisters.
And now, my first time here is almost over. And I’m almost going home. I know, though, that Northwood will be my home for a long time. Or maybe it won’t. Because I’ve learned that life likes to take unexpected routes.
As I fold my skirt and put it in the bag, I think of how wonderful it will be to see my family again.
Chapter 35
I’m now sitting on a bench in the train station, Ada and Ophelia close beside me. They’re a little nervous now, and to be honest I am too. Not as scared as the first time going on the train, but the nerves are still there.
Oliver went to take our two big bags to the car they’re meant to go on, and I notice Ophelia and Ada clutching their bags they’re bringing on the train, tightly.
It’s very busy in the train station. I’d forgotten how many people were here when I’d arrived in Northwood.
I suppose then I’d been more focused on finding my way out.
Soon Oliver’s making his way through the crowd, his hands in his pockets. “Time to get on.”
Ada stands and grabs onto her brother’s arm. “Are we sure this is safe?”
I stand and rest my hand on her shoulder. “I got here safely, Ada. It will be all right.”
Ophelia links her arm in mine, and together, the four of us make our way onto the train and find our seats.
This time, the seats we get have another seat facing us, and a small wooden table in between. I’m relieved that on my way here, I didn’t get this type of seat. Otherwise I would’ve been with three strangers.
Ada and Ophelia sit beside each other, and I sit next to Oliver on the opposite side.
I watch as Ada looks out the window, her jaw clenched.
“Ada, when I was on the train out here,” I start as she turns to look at me. “I was all by myself. I was sitting in the seat, looking out the window at my family on the ground waving at me. I was so scared and didn’t have anyone I knew with me. You’re lucky your first train ride is with your family.”
She smiles a little, looking at her brother and sister. “You’re right. I would’ve been terrified to be all by myself.”
Oliver looks to me and smiles, as if in gratitude for calming Ada down.
And as we wait for the train to begin moving, I feel relieved to be with Oliver, Ophelia, and Ada, on my way home.
* * *
We’ve been going for about an hour now. When we first started to move, Ada grabbed Ophelia’s hand, but after a few minutes, she was looking out the window and amazed at how quickly we were going.
I’ve pulled my weaving out of my bag. Over the past few weeks, I’d finished the blanket I’d been working on, so I wouldn’t have to bring all of that on the train with me. I ended up giving the blanket to Josephine. Now I’m just working on a hat for Charles to give him when I get home.
Oliver’s hand is resting on my leg, his head tilted up and leaning on the back of the seat, his eyes closed.
The Letter (Carter Sisters Series Book 4) Page 14