The Rescue by Tanya Eavenson

Author:Tanya Eavenson [Eavenson, Tanya]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781945981043
Publisher: All Roads Publishing
Published: 2019-09-02T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Rosalind glanced at their bags in the room, then bent to button Lilly’s red-and-yellow silk sweater. She pulled on one of her pigtails. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

Lilly shook her head slowly.

Rosalind wasn’t sure she was ready to go either. Their routine on the train had given them a sense of home and security, but they had to leave. Lilly grasped her hand tightly. Whatever they’d face, they had each other.

The conductor came to their door, avoiding her gaze. “Ma’am, may I take your bags? Your carriage is waiting.”

“But I did not call for a carriage. I had planned to stay in Fort Worth until tomorrow.” How would Trent find her?

He eyed her then. “Mr. Hadley ordered the carriage. We ... the driver has strict orders to take you to Mr. Easton’s ranch.”

“Papa?” Lilly’s emerald eyes—exactly like her mother’s—peered up at Rosalind.

She allowed room for the conductor to enter and collect their bags, then knelt in front of the child. “Your papa is taking very good care of you. He arranged for us to be carried to my new home. He will meet us there after your mama gets well.” She clasped Lilly’s small hands within hers. “Can I tell you a secret? I’m a little nervous about being in a new place, and I’m thankful you’re accompanying me. And now I’ll have someone to help me pick flowers. Would you like to pick flowers?”

A smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “As many as I want?”

The light in Lilly’s eyes brought a smile of her own. “Of course. But first we must ride in the carriage your papa sent.”

Lilly squeezed her hand and pulled her out of the room. “I like to pick flowers. Mama always lets me carry the basket.”

They stepped from the train, meeting the sun’s blinding rays head on. Dry heat tightened Rosalind’s throat. And the odor ...

“Rose, what’s that smell?” Lilly pinched her nose.

Rosalind was tempted to do the same. What was that terrible smell? This was Texas? The place Trent lived? The place he loved? She raised her hand and shielded her eyes, scanning the crowds, she realized, looking for Glover. Her heart tripped at the thought.

I’m safe here. I’m safe here. She fought against the wave of fear and nausea rising in the pit of her stomach and forced her mind back to the task at hand. Maybe it was better she left Fort Worth sooner than later. The conductor set their bags down on the platform, said goodbye, then returned to the train.

Rosalind stood on the toes of her shoes and continued to skim the area. Tall horned animals ruled the roads, and men on horseback outnumbered the wagons. Where was the carriage, and who was taking them to Graham?

An older gentleman with a blue shirt, jeans, and a cowboy hat came straight toward them. He tilted his hat, revealing gray brows that almost touched. “Ma’am, are ya Mrs. Easton?”

Her brow raised at the question, noticing the twang in his voice.

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