CHAPTER THREE – All Aboard
Less than a week later Megan found herself bundled with her trunk and bags into a railroad car and given a brisk hug and farewell wave from her brother, who then, to her astonishment and dismay, strode away, not even staying to watch the train depart. Before she had time to process the fact she had been virtually abandoned to her fate, Sonia’s housekeeper Anna entered her railroad car, carrying a basket and hamper, followed by her son, Toby, lugging a valise.
Happy to recognize someone, she cried out, “Why hello, Anna. What a surprise to see you here. Are you also traveling west?”
“No Miss,” replied Anna, looking up from a ravaged face. “I've come to give you this from Miss Sonia,” and handed her a letter.
Megan stared at it rather blankly, then looked back to Anna.
“Did Sonia find more information about her husband?”
“Don't reckon as I know, Miss Megan, but she did ask me to entrust with you her most precious possession. Oh, Miss,” she cried out breaking into sobs, “Oh, Miss Megan, my Miss Sonia died last night! Please, you have to take her.” And she thrust the basket into Megan's arms, dropping the hamper at her feet, and fled the car.
Toby stood there a moment, tears running down his face, then placed the valise next to the hamper and flung himself onto her and the basket, hugging her tightly.
“You know I love you, Miss Megan, and if your new husband doesn’t do right by you, you just write and let me know. And I love Miss Camellia, too, even though she’s just a baby, so if ever you need protection I’ll be there!”
He pressed a kiss on her cheek and then fumbled for a scrap of paper in his pocket, which he pressed into her free hand with a meaningful look before fleeing.
She could hear the whistle blowing as she watched the ten-year old boy disappear from view, then looked down into the basket to discover Sonia's daughter Camellia gazing back at her.
Heavens above, she thought, I know nothing about infants. I can't do this. Sonia is gone? How can that be? Yes, she looked frail last night when I stopped by to say goodbye, but she’d seemed to be on the mend since Camellia’s baptism!
She realized she was still clutching the paper that Toby had thrust into her hand along with the letter handed her by Anna. The whistle blew one last long wail as the train jerked into motion.
With the train underway, there was nothing she could do until at least the next station. She wasn't sure if this line stopped in Harrisburg or just went straight to Pittsburgh, but she must figure out something. Heavens! She couldn't bring a baby all the way to Arizona Territory to meet a stranger!
She carefully set the basket on the seat next to her, mindful of the jolting of the car, and looked again at the letter in her hand. Carefully she slid her gloved finger under the flap and pried it open. She slowly pulled the paper from the envelope and opened it. In Sonia’s rounded hand the words spilled, clearly but tremulously across the page in a downward slant.
Dearest Megan,
I put on a brave face when you came to say farewell, but I already knew that I was dying. I sent a note to my family asking their aid for my daughter and it was returned unopened. You are the only friend I have remaining to me and thus I wish to entrust to you the nearest object of my heart, my darling daughter and your goddaughter, Camellia. Camellia was born from the truest love and has her father's beautiful blue eyes. I know all infants have blue eyes, but am certain hers will retain his sparkle as she grows older. It is my dearest wish that you find her father to reunite them.
I had Anna put all her father’s letters in the valise along with my jewelry, and a few other trinkets to remind her of her mother. I hope the letters may assist you in determining dear Tom’s whereabouts. He has been “upcountry” before, but never quite so long and so I continue to fret after him.
I wanted Anna to travel with you but she has her own family here to care for. Of course you know Toby, who has been indispensable helping with household chores and errands, but he has two younger siblings at home as well as Anna’s husband Will, who is a good man.
Her arms dropped to her lap as she stared into space. Oh, dear, she mused, abashed, I never even thought about Anna’s private life. She was so much a part of the household I never imagined her elsewhere! Raising the letter again, she continued reading.
I have also left you my journal and it will tell you much that I’d like to include here but my strength is waning. I die easy, knowing my darling will be cared for as lovingly as if she were with me. Your strength has kept me going this long, beyond what the doctor had even thought possible, so no thoughts of “what if” or “I should have” should trouble your mind. I am leaving the best of me with you and thank you from my heart as I know you will carry on with this unexpected burden because that is your nature.
I am the one who feels guilty for not preparing you. But I also know you would have come up with an hundred other plans and schemes before agreeing that this is the
