Orphan Train Memories : The Orphan Train Series (Hearts On The Rails Book 7) by Rachel Wesson

Author:Rachel Wesson [Wesson, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LondonGate Publishing
Published: 2023-12-30T16:00:00+00:00

Lily saw a modest, whitewashed farmhouse situated on the side of a hill, smoke billowing out from a chimney in the center of the thatched roof, into the blue, cloudless sky. A couple of outbuildings, also made from stone, were set back from the house. From the noises coming from them, she assumed that was where the animals were kept. Frank got down to open the gate leading into the property before he led the horse up the road.

A little girl ran out of the house, her curls the color of polished mahogany, her blue eyes opening wide as she took in the visitors. “Mammy, Mammy, there’s a woman out here. She looks like they do from the big house.”

“What are you talking about, Deirdre? There’s no… oh my goodness.” The slender woman with chestnut hair pulled back into a bun, a couple of strands escaping to frame a face dotted with freckles. Curiosity and a little fear mixed in her eyes as she pulled the child to her side. The door of the dwelling behind her opened, and a young boy carrying a piglet walked out.

“Mammy, the old sow keeps kicking this… oh.”

Lily saw the boy was the image of his father. He had the same sturdy frame, his jet-black hair, and blue-violet eyes that sparkled with more than a hint of mischief. He openly stared at her before the squeaking of the piglet reminded him to let the animal down. Once he did, the piglet ran off.

“Peter Doherty, you better catch him before your dad gets home.”

With a gulp, the boy ran off in search of the animal. Deirdre remained at her mother’s side, her hand clutching the woman’s skirt.

“Niamh, this is Mrs. Lily Doherty, recently arrived from America. Her husband, Charlie, is a cousin of your Tom. Tom invited us to come for tea.”

Niamh took a step forward, wiping her hand on her skirt as Frank helped Lily down from the cab.

“Nice to meet you.” Niamh smiled, but her smile didn’t reach her green eyes. She turned her head to look at her home and then back at Lily. “Come in, please. Deirdre, go fetch me some water for the tea.”

“Yes, Mammy.” Deirdre gave Lily a shy smile before she took off running.

“Come in and make yourself at home.” Niamh led the way into the house. Frank stood back to allow Lily to walk into the house first. She saw the kitchen garden enclosed by a wooden fence. Someone had been busy getting it ready for planting. Inside the house, it was simply furnished, with a large hearth being the centerpiece of the main living area. Judging by the cooking pot hanging over it, the fire was both a source of heat and a place to cook. The stone floor would have been cold but for the handmade woven rugs strewn about. The windows were small, covered by thick curtains likely needed to keep the cold out. There was a table with four chairs on one side of the room, with what looked like a settle bed on the other.

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