by Carol Henry
Emily found her place next to the window, and with a sigh of relief from the exhaustion of saying goodbye, she settled in her seat for the short trip to Owego. She leaned closer to the window and looked out in search of her children. She spotted them and waved, then placed her hand against the glass and let tears stream down her face. She blew them a kiss as they stood in a tight row on the wooden platform watching the train as it chugged down the tracks. When she could see them no longer, she turned, found a dry hanky in her bag, and dabbed her eyes dry.
Would she ever see her children again?
If she were as sick as Doctor Wooster said, there didn’t seem to be much hope; consumption was not to be taken lightly. The image of those who had suffered from the disease had her close to breaking down in front of her brave family. She could only pray they had made the right decision by sending her out to her cousin Marybelle’s to recuperate.
Doctor Wooster had insisted a warmer, dryer climate with fresh air and ample bed rest to regain her health was just the ticket. He’d told her to drink fresh cream with a spoonful of brandy. She hoped Marybelle had a cow or two. For the fever, he’d recommended Sassafras tea, which her cousin said she always kept on hand.
“You need some time to mend, my dear,” he’d said. “You need rest. Nothing more strenuous than a nice afternoon walk. And absolutely no work.”
Marybelle would make sure she followed doctor’s instructions. That was Marybelle. One of the kindest women she’d ever met.
The doctor had insisted she carry the packet of opium as a sedative should she need a pain reliever on the train ride. As much as she was tempted to succumb to taking a small dram now, this part of the trip was a short one. She needed to keep her wits about her when she transferred to the various connections. She had two more train transfers before she arrived at her final destination. Perhaps if she sat quietly and relaxed, her headache would go away. She patted the packets of medicine in her dress pocket. They were there if need be.
Emily settled back and closed her eyes. When she opened them, the train was pulling into the Catatonk station. The stop lasted half an hour; long enough to switch cars and pick up a few more passengers.
Transferring in Owego happened without a hitch, and Emily enjoyed the familiar sights of the homes along the great Susquehanna River as the locomotive passed over the curved bridge. Farmers were tilling their fields, and boats were carrying lumber down river. A late spring with the ice not melting until early May and relentless rains until mid-June made the river deep enough for lumber barges and ferries to sail the wide waterway.
The ride to Philadelphia to pick up the train west was uneventful. When they arrived at Union Station, the undercurrents of the pending strike were heavy.
Emily stepped down from the train. Courtesy was not much in evidence, and a sense of haste prevailed as people jostled each other to make their connections or meet loved ones. Relieved when she spotted Charles waving his hand high in the air, Emily sighed. Within seconds she was in his arms, her small grip dropped to the wooden platform, forgotten.
“God, Em, it’s good to see you. I’ve been so worried. You look ready to fall over. Did you take any of the medicine the old reprobate prescribed?”
“Not yet. I didn’t want to fall asleep and miss my connections.”
“If only you didn’t have to leave. I hate having to send you so far away from the children.”
“At least I’ll be with family. Cousin Marybelle will take good care of me. I will worry about the children though. It was so hard leaving them behind. Please try to go home once in a while to look in on things.”
“Seamus’ wife, Maggie, and her daughter, Madeline, are going to stay at the farm. Catherine will have plenty of help.” He let her lean into him, then picked up her grip, and together they walked along the platform.
“Oh, Charles, that’s wonderful. But I’ll still worry some. And I’ll miss them all. Especially my baby, Sarah.”
“Ah, Em. This is so unfair. If not for this strike I’d take you there myself. If I’d been home with you more and taken care of you, this would never have happened.”
“It’s not your fault I’m ill, Charles. Don’t keep blaming yourself. Besides, right now your place is here with the railroad.”
“No. You and the children need me now.”
“I’ll be fine, Charles. You’ll see.”
“Come with me, Em. You need to sit down ’til this place clears a bit. I want to introduce you to Mrs. Aderley. She’ll be traveling with you. She and her boys are headed to San Francisco to spend the summer with her sister.”
“How wonderful for them,” Emily said. If only her children could have accompanied her, the journey would be ideal. “Mrs. Aderley must be thrilled to have her children with her.”
“Don’t do this to yourself, Em. I know you’ll be missing the children, but Seth and Catherine will take good care of them. Don’t you worry yourself none. I mean it, Em. You have to think of yourself and get better. Now sit here while I find Mason and his family. I’ll be right back.”
Emily wished she could spend more time with Charles before she had to board the train again. As he disappeared from sight, she glanced around. Union Station was huge compared to the tiny depot in Candor. Well-dressed people in fine, ruffled day dresses milled about. They made her homespun traveling dress appear shabby. Why, the selection of colors alone flitting about the cavernous room would put a rainbow to shame. But in her present state, she closed her eyes to dispel the colorful chaos. When she opened them again, Charles was standing in front of her.
“I’m sorry, dear. I couldn’t locate them. Mason assured me you would be sitting with his wife on the train. I’m afraid you’ll have to introduce yourself when you board.”
“Not to worry, Charles. I’ll manage. Come. Sit beside me.” She patted the empty spot next to her. As soon as Charles sat, she snuggled closer, laying her head in the crook of his shoulder. With a deep sigh, she closed her eyes.
“I will miss you, Charles. I will miss the children.”
“I know, Em.” He patted her back and slid his hand down her arm. “It’s a damn shame you have to go so far away from them. And me.”
“Watch your language, Charles. There are too many people around. I don’t want them to think badly of you.”
“I don’t care what they think, Em.”
Emily smiled and forgave him his transgression. After all, she didn’t want to waste time arguing over a cuss word.
“I’ll write as soon as I arrive at Marybelle’s. I promise.”
“I’ll be waiting for your letter. With any luck, the strike will be put down right fast, and I’ll be able to get away and come get you.”
The shrill whistle sounded, startling both of them, cutting their goodbye short. They clung together for a brief but heart-wrenching embrace before Charles helped her to the waiting train where he bypassed the conductor and lifted her off her feet and up into the coach. He placed her grip in her hands and kissed her soundly in front of everyone. Emily didn’t mind in the least. She would miss his kisses.
“I’d hoped we would have had more time together, Em. Mason Aderley’s wife is a fine woman. She’ll look out for you. I love you, Em.”
“I love you too, Charles. You be careful as well. I’ll see you soon.” Tears ran down her hot cheeks. She retrieved her already tear-stained white hanky from her pocket and dabbed at her eyes. She should have packed a dozen, instead of just the two.
“Send a telegram as soon as you get there, Em. I don’t want to wait for a letter. I’ll worry the whole time until I hear from you. Promise?”
“I promise.”
Emily stepped into the car. She turned to wave to Charles, but he was lost in the sea of waving hands through her watery eyes. With a soft sob, she turned back around and looked for her assigned seat. As she did, the train lunged forward, the jerking motion tossing her sideways into the shoulder of a burly man dressed all in black.
“I’m so
sorry.” Emily stepped back as best she could. The man tipped his hat and let her pass.
The lanterns bobbed back and forth overhead, and the sharp, grinding sound of the train rolling out of the station filled the car. Emily’s head pounded, her eyes blurred from the tears still streaming down her face, and her legs threatened to give out. She made her way down the aisle in search of her seat.
“My dear, let me help you.” A tall, thin lady stood to assist her; her flowered bonnet slightly askew. “I’m Mrs. Aderley. Marian Aderley, and these are my two sons, Jason and Jonathan. I’ve saved you the seat next to the window.”
“Ma’am,” Emily sighed, thankful, and fell into the cushioned seat just as her legs gave out. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
Chapter Six
Seth readied the team to the wagon loaded down with silver cans full of the morning’s milk. The fields whispered to him as the breeze ruffled the fresh crop of buckwheat on the acres beyond the barn. It swished back and forth like waves on a rolling sea. Even the corn was shooting up through the cool earth and doing well. He expected to get a good yield come fall. He’d have to hire the Hayland boys over on Eastman Hill to give him and his brothers a hand when the tassels turned a golden brown.
He loved to hear the wind blow though the rows of corn close to the house as the long slender leaves brushed up against each other as if they had secrets to share. If the weather held out, they would have plenty of silage for the winter months.
Seth yelled to Catherine as he jumped up on the buckboard and clicked the reins, setting the horses in motion.
“I’ll be back about noon,” he called. “Make sure the boys get their chores done. We’ve got fencing and crops to check after lunch.”
He didn’t wait for a reply. The horses clip-clopped along the bumpy dirt road as his sister stood in the kitchen door and waved him off.
The weight of the milk in the heavy cans kept the wheels of the wagon on the rutted tracks. He descended the steep section of the trail along the tree-lined hillside. The horses had the devil’s own time keeping the wagon from careening over the edge. Seth yanked on the wooden-handled brake, giving just enough pressure against the wheels to keep them from spinning out of control. At the bottom, he released it. The horses relaxed into a steady pace once they turned onto the valley road along the flats.
Adding on to the goat herd this past year had been a smart decision. The milk production had increased, providing a good quantity which enabled him to supply the eastern markets all the way into New York City. Even though he headed into Candor Center, more than another hour’s ride, it was better to unload his milk at the station in Smith Valley where it would be put on the ice cars so it wouldn’t spoil.
Thankfully, the trains were still running. Not sure how much longer they would continue to run because of the pending strike, he could only hope this batch would make it to market.
“Hi’ya, young man,” Amos Grant called as Seth maneuvered his wagon to the platform to unload in front of the station. The man’s smile forced his weather-worn cheeks up against his eyes and made it look as if he was squinting. His silver-gray hair was slicked back. The wide, red suspenders did little to hold up his britches around his plump middle. But Amos Grant was a decent man who would lend a hand in a pinch.
“Ya think’en maybe this shipment is going to make it all the way to the big city? I hear all the main lines are starting to have trouble. Hear they’re shutting down.”
“I hope it gets through. According to my pa, he’s trying hard to keep his men from going out.” Seth jumped out of the wagon to help Amos unload the cans. His boots hit the wide pine floorboards with a thud.
“Can’t say as I envy him his job,” Amos replied, going right to work, hauling out the first can without so much as a grunt. “Now that’s a hard one to deal with for sure. There ain’t no stopping a great many men once they make their mind up against something.”
“You’re probably right. I wish my pa would give up the rails. He’s been talking about leaving them behind for as long as I can remember, but it don’t do no good. He just keeps at it.”
“Must be hard with your ma laid up now. I hear she’s left town to visit a relative out in the California Territory. I don’t know as if I’d chance going out there; it’s Injun territory, son. A woman all alone won’t be able to defend herself none. No siree. Don’t know if I’d let my Millie run off on her own, and she’s not sick like your ma.”
Seth didn’t want to think about the dangers. He’d understood the West to have calmed down some since the treaties with the different tribes were in place. Travel was said to be much safer by train than when Marybelle had gone overland in a covered wagon several years ago.
“She’s not alone. Pa’s boss’ wife and boys are traveling with her.”
Seth handed the billing papers to Amos after the milk was unloaded. The two of them entered the depot office together. Once the station master’s signature and stamp were affixed, Seth shook Amos’ hand.
“Thanks for the help, Amos. I’ll see you again tomorrow morning.”
Amos called to him before he got out the door.
“I hear old Clancy on the other side of the hill had to shoot his dog clean dead. Rabies. They’re suspecting the dang dog got in a fight with a fox. Better watch things up there on your mountain, son. Ain’t nice when someone gets bit by rabies.”
“Thanks, Amos. I’ll be sure to tell Catherine and the boys to be on the lookout. I’ll pick up more ammunition for the rifles so they’ll be ready.”
Seth climbed back up on the wagon and gripped the reins, ready to leave. He prayed the train got through in time. He needed those accounts to help get them through the coming winter months in case his father ended up out of work. Once the strike hit, they’d have a hard time making ends meet without his father’s pay. He was in charge and had to make sure the family didn’t starve.
“How’s Miss Catherine doing?” Amos stopped him before he got under motion. “She gonna be able to manage on her own with her ma gone?”
Seth liked talking to Amos, but this morning the man was in too talkative a mood.
“Catherine’s doing just fine,” Seth assured him. “She’s a good shot, too, even though she’s more of a bookworm. Target practices with Timothy and Michael on occasion.”
She might be doing well now, but with their mother out west, they wouldn’t have the canned goods their ma usually put up come harvest. Catherine wouldn’t have the time to do all the work by herself.
“She still aiming to become one of them fancy school-marms?”
“Yep. Planning on taking her exams this summer if all goes well.”
With Catherine trying to manage baby Sarah and the house, Seth didn’t know when she would have time to study for exams. He’d have the boys help with the vegetable garden. Perhaps they could sell some of the extra produce at the markets in Candor.
He’d talk to Catherine to see what she thought.
“Well, you give her our best. If’en she needs anything, you have her give my missus a holler.”
“Thanks. I will.”
Amos’ wife often visited his mother in the afternoons. Perhaps she would consider helping Catherine instead of sitting at the kitchen table sipping tea the entire time she visited.
Seth waved to Amos, turned the wagon around, and headed out.
After miles of traveling, Seth turned his team onto Mill Street along the Catatonk Creek next to Locey’s mill, then down Main Street. Doc Wooster staggered down his front steps. The man was getting on in years. Or he was addicted to his own vials of snake oil. Still, he was the only doctor around for miles.
Seth’s team clopped along on the dry roadway kicking up dust. He slowed the pair so dirt wouldn’t blow against the people walking along the street.
“How’s your mother, young man?” Doc Wooster called out. “She get off okay?”
The doctor was a short, squatty old man. Dressed in a black topcoat and a large black hat a
dded a dash of stature and respect to his position, as did his black, bushy eyebrows and long beard speckled with white. Seth wasn’t fooled for a minute. He nodded and waved, then drove on, making sure the horses didn’t draw too close to the boardwalks where other horses were secured.
Homes at this end of town housed the more wealthy founding fathers and leaders of the community. Seth wasn’t envious of the big, statuesque homes, some with pillars, some more modest but still large and imposing. Large maple trees lined both sides of the wide dirt road. Seth waved to the residents who were out and about. He turned and headed toward Weston’s hay barn next to the tracks.
Dillard Moore arrived as Seth rounded the bend. He skirted around Dillard’s rig and positioned his own team next to the loading platform.
“Hey, Seth, how’s it going? Didn’t see you at the agriculture meeting the other day. Things okay up on the hill?”
“Been busy with family, so couldn’t make the meeting. But the farming end of things is going good. Just took three more cans of goat’s milk to the station heading to Ithaca and New York City. I appreciate the advice you gave me about the herd.”
Seth jumped down from the wagon, sauntered over to Dillard, and shook hands. For a young man, Dillard had a firm grip and a likable smile. His red hair matched his freckle-dotted face. Raised on his family’s farm, he had been a big help to Seth over the past two years.
“Glad to be of assistance. How’s Catherine? She get her nose out of those school books yet?”
“Doesn’t have a choice now, what with Ma gone out west.”
Dillard had a crush a mile wide on his sister, but he knew Catherine wasn’t interested in Dillard, or any other man right now for that matter. How many times had he heard her say that nothing was going to stand in her way of becoming a teacher? Except now she might have to put those dreams on hold to take care of the family.