Maude's Trials (Widows of Virginia #1)(2)
Chapter 2
Sacramento, California
The train rocked back and forth as it rushed ahead towards its destination. Maude clung to her measly luggage as she stared outside the window at the unfamiliar landscapes passing by. She could barely hear her own thoughts over the thundering noise of the train.
I should have brought my children with me. Maude shook her head and once again reminded herself why she didn’t. She had never been so torn by her own decisions before. Everything seemed to have happened so fast.
It had been three days since she left Virginia, the fact that the journey was about to come to an end scared her.
What have I done? Help me dear Lord. She clasped her hands together. I hope this is not a mistake.
She couldn’t wipe away the sad faces of her children and her mother from her mind. And whenever she turned her thoughts home her babies’ cry still rung in her ears tearing her heart open.
Forgive me dear Lord. I had to try. Please keep them safe and wipe away their sorrow. Silent prayers always worked for her.
Maude looked around the silent passengers sat with her in the train carriage. The lady who had kept her occupied with conversation throughout most of the journey had fallen asleep on her husband’s shoulder and the gentlemen were busy with their papers. She bowed her head and continued her prayers. She barely noticed as they rolled into a small station and the train finally creaked and hissed to a halt.
“Good luck, Maude.” Theresa, pecked her on the cheek and squeezed her hand.
“Thank you. Have a safe journey,” she said to all of her travel companions and moved through the corridor to the exit.
What next? She wondered as she stepped out of the train carrying her two bags. The sun had already set and the unfamiliar station scared her in the looming darkness. Where do I go from here?
She had never felt so clueless.
Maude stepped closer towards the building hoping there was someone there to guide her to her destination. But the crowd quickly dispersed and she was left aimlessly moving through the new arrivals eager to board the train. No one seemed to be looking for her.
Sacramento. She double checked the station name written out on the sign with the town on her ticket, and in the letter. It definitely was the right place.
Exhausted she leaned against a post leaving her bags at her feet. Has he changed his mind already? Should I ask around for him?
She let her eyes survey the place, anticipating seeing a familiar face. After a while she had to pull out her petticoat to stave off the cold. Maude sat herself down on a little bench near the door, to collect her thoughts and stay in the light of a lonely lantern. Panic started to cloud her mind.
“Hello,” A husky crispy voice brought her back to reality. He extended his hand for a greeting.
“Hi…” Maude took some time to examine the man before returning his greeting. She found herself quickly enthralled by the tall, well-built stranger with hair tied back in a tight ponytail. The stern, astringent dark blue eyes gave him a bold appearance.
“I’m Raymond Garrett,” he said with a warm smile. “And this here is my sister Rael.”
“Rachel Garett,” the small woman beside him that Maude barely noticed at first gave her a polite smile.
Raymond glanced at the bags on the ground. “Are you Maude…?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “I’m Maude. Maude Lafayette. It’s nice to finally meet you, Raymond Garret.”
She took a breath and smiled to ease the tension that had been building up as she waited. Give me courage, dear Lord.
“I’m so sorry to keeping you waiting, Maude. Rael here couldn’t find her scarf, and she’s been sick recently so Ma, wouldn’t let us out of the house…”
“It’s quite alright.” Maude said between breaths. “I didn’t have to wait too long.”
There was a moment of silence between them. She couldn’t take her eyes though off the handsome man in front of her. Why would he opt for a mail order bride? A multitude of unanswered questions rattled inside her mind. But she stilled her tongue. They had just met, he was a total stranger to her except for what he mentioned in the letters. They would have plenty of time to talk soon.
“Where are the kids?” Raymond asked and turned his head left and right with a slight frown.
“Oh, sorry I didn’t have time to let you know. It that was a last minute change. Adella got sick…” She lied unable to confess the truth in case her distrust upset him.
“But they will be joining me soon,” she said in a low voice, almost a whisper since even the thought of her kids threatened to bring her to tears. Stay strong Maude. They will do just fine.
“Right. We should go home now. It’s getting late, please, come with me.” Their heads almost collided as they both reached for Maude’s bags. “I’m so sorry, I hope you don’t mind.”
“It’s… it’s alright,” she said.
Maude let him take the bags as his sister led her to the horse drawn carriage. I hope this ends well. She was still uncertain if she had made the right choice. But there was a train back the next day. Maude gathered her strength, her hope and her courage. For the kids, for all their sake, she reminded herself why she had chosen to come all this way and with that Maude boarded the wagon.