The men all knew that they didn't need to do anything, that the girls would be coming in a couple of weeks, but he didn't want to wait until they arrived to introduce himself to Barbara. So he asked Jeff to help him write a letter. It was the first letter he had ever written but Jeff had always been kind to him and didn't tease him about the fact that he didn't know his letters too well.
“Dear Barbara,” he wrote.
You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. Your face tells me you have known sadness and sorrow and might understand about missing a mother.
I never knew mine although I have witnessed the tenderness that mothers give their children. You have a face that tells me you are tender and loving. I want to get to know you so we will already be friends when you arrive here in Kansas.
Very truly yours,
B I L L Y
William Cameron Stuart
P.S. I had my good friend Jeff write this out for me because I don’t write so good. I hope that won’t make you think less of me.
Barbara had never gotten a letter before and really didn't quite understand what Billy was saying to her, but the fact that he had written and said such nice things about her made her feel she should write back. And his honesty at the end of the letter touched her heart.
Mother Evangeline had made sure she learned her letters well and had even used her to transcribe important documents during her time at the convent orphanage. She had also learned her numbers, at least well enough that she did not get cheated when she went shopping. Not all the girls had caught on right away how important numbers really were. But she had helped them so now most of the girls that were going with her to Kansas could at least read and cipher.
Sister had praised her not only for learning so quickly but for being so generous in helping others. But it only made sense to her to help. So many people had helped her along the way.
“Dear Billy,” she replied,
Thank you for your nice letter.
You did not send a photo, so I cannot tell anything about you from what you look like, but you sound like a very nice man. I look forward to meeting you.
Yours truly,
Barbara
Barbara Juliana McKevitt
~~~
Most of the other girls had gotten letters from potential suitors, as well. All were excited to be able to respond, and chatted about the possibility of a future as wives and mothers.
Until Father Flanagan had written, most of them had had little to look forward to beyond possible factory jobs or working as a scullery maid at some of the finer houses in town. Most knew, if they weren’t careful and lucky, they were likely to end up back in the tenements from which they’d come. This opportunity was a potential future of which none had dared dream.
Barbara's excitement was tempered by leaving her sister and niece behind, but she was overjoyed at the recent improvements to Emily’s health. It was as if her soul had slipped away from her for awhile and had now returned.
Emilene was a beautiful baby. Barbara had made sure to keep an eye on mother and daughter and stepped in whenever her sister seemed to be in her other world.
Emilene was more than a year old now, and had progressed from crawling to trying to stand and walk. Despite his crudeness, Barbara’s bully of a stepfather had been a handsome man in his own way, and Emilene carried the best traits of both her parents in her looks.
Fortunately, she seemed to have taken after her mother for personality and behavior. Knowing how short was the time before they would be leaving, Barbara was spending extra time with her niece and praying that her sister would continue to grow stronger.
With only a few weeks left before they were to get on the train, Barbara was surprised to get another letter from Billy.
I just want you to know how much I'm looking forward to meeting you. I hope we can get to know each other well, and maybe have a future together.
This time he enclosed a picture. It was hard to tell how tall he was, but he seemed to have a compact frame and a very cheerful rounded face with medium colored hair and twinkling eyes. Of course, he was dressed just like all the rest of the cowboys, but there was something to him that appealed to her. She found herself looking forward to meeting him.
CHAPTER 19 – Farewells
Despite the short time for preparations, everything was soon in order for the wedding of the season. Mother Evangeline was going to give away the bride.
Emily could not be convinced to come into the public arena. Although she still attended Mass, she did not go out of the building otherwise. Besides, someone was needed to attend to the Nursery and Sister Teresa Rose had known Gracie most of her life and should be allowed to attend.
However she did come up to Gracie with a small box which she presented with a devilish look in her eye.
“I think you will be needing this within about ten months,” she said.
Gracie opened the box to find an exquisitely embroidered christening gown.
“Oh, my, Emily,” she sighed. “This is just perfect. Although, to be honest, the whole idea makes me nervous.”
Horrified at what she had said, Gracie gasped and put her hand to her mouth.
Emily's face clouded up for a moment, but then her face cleared. “I am told it is usually quite a pleasant experience, especially if one is with someone she loves,”
