“I’m sorry, child, it’s just that I travel in certain circles, and I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable. Besides, Josephine is a miracle worker, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with for you. Trust me, Miss Ward, as I have trusted you?”
“Of course,” Savannah is ashamed she knows Mrs. Kruger’s heart is in the right place. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
Josephine returns with a helper named Ella, both carrying armfuls of dresses. “Let’s get started! I’ve found the perfect colors.”
Four hours later, Savannah has three dresses to take with her and is dressed in a beautiful pale blue visiting dress, with a bustled skirt. Made of silk, with a high neck, corseted waist, and simple lines, she’s a vision. Josephine made a few suggestions on how to tame her curls and pulled her hair up into a beautiful updo and pinned a matching hat in place.
“Josephine, you’re amazing! Savannah is transformed!” Mrs. Kruger is more excited than Savannah is.
“You must be aware, Miss. Ward that your coloring requires that you pay close attention to what you wear; otherwise it washes you out. Green, emeralds, teals, these shades are stunning when paired with red hair. Purples, blues, cobalt, navy and light blues, of course, white and blacks,” Josephine rattles off.
“Yes, avoid yellow, but oranges and pinks are lovely for spring and summer,” Mrs. Kruger says excitedly. “You are too lovely to hide.”
“You’re too kind, but I’m well aware of my plain looks. It’s just that I’ve been wearing brown for so long, I’d forgotten about the simple joys of dressing,” Savannah replies softly. “The nurses weren’t allowed to dress in anything but the dark brown skirt and hair covering, it hid the blood stains.”
“I’m not sure who called you plain, Savannah, but he was a fool! You are unique in your coloring but hardly plain!” Josephine snaps.
“Exactly, and the war is over my dear, it’s time to look to the future.” Mrs. Kruger walks away with the shop owner to pay and schedule a day for the dresses to be delivered to her house.
“My brother died in the war,” Ella says from behind her.
Savannah turns to look at her. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” she takes Savannah’s hand, “I mean for the work you did as a nurse. I, it makes me feel better knowing he might have had someone like you by his side when he died.” Ella wipes a tear and squeezes Savannah’s hand before walking away.
The past few days have been eye-opening, to say the least. Mrs. Kruger isn’t evil, just lonely and scared her daughter no longer wants her around. It turns out that she’s fun, easy to talk to and very witty. Her mouth curves into a smile as she looks at herself in a floor length mirror. The blue dress has been adjusted to fit her trim waist and sets off her eye color. “I don’t think my family would know what to say about this.”
“They’d say you look like a refined young woman,” Mrs. Kruger teases.
“Now you’ll have to teach me how to act the part, I’m afraid I’m so used to being around …” flashes of dirty, bloody, tents and wounded men moaning for help fill her mind and Savannah closes her eyes shut against the images.
“Someday soon, you shall tell me of your experiences,” Mrs. Kruger startles her from her thought. “For now, we should return home for supper.”
“Yes, thank you,” Savannah replies hoarsely. “While we’re in town I need to check in at the post office.”
“Excellent, you can collect my mail. I’m hoping for a letter from my sister.”
The driver stops in front of the general store for Savannah, “I’ll be a few minutes.”
Savannah hurries inside, ignoring the stares and gets in line. When it is her turn, she collects Mrs. Kruger’s mail first and finally, it’s her turn.
“Miss Savannah Ward, yes, you have two letters.” He turns and walks away to find her box, before finally returning to hand her the mail.
“Thank you.” Savannah tucks her letters away until after Mrs. Kruger goes to bed and finds a quiet spot to read. The first is from Oliver’s family!
Dear Miss Ward,
It was a shock to receive your letter. Losing Oliver was a heavy blow, but the pain is lessened somewhat knowing he was not alone in his final moments. Though we did receive the telegram from the war office, it was short of details. It would be an honor to meet you and have our questions answered.
Please forward your itinerary, and we look forward to sharing in Oliver’s last wish.
God Bless
Mrs. Irwin.
Savannah folds the letter and sits back with a sigh of relief. “Here we go, Oliver.”
The second is from the publishing house. They are requesting a meeting to see the rest of the photographs! Savannah groans quietly. Seeing no way around it, Savannah decides to send a telegram telling them S.E. Ward is traveling to Iowa and is unable to meet at this time. Glenn will pick up any return mail and help her with the details. For now, she is going to focus on Oliver’s family. One problem at a time.
Chapter 9
Five days of traveling, shopping and visiting with friends only to find herself back on a train has left Savannah desperate to disembark.
“Don’t jump, dear.” Mrs. Kruger teases from her chair. She was kind enough to reserve a personal sleeping cabin with a private sitting and bathing room. The accommodations couldn’t be better.
“Forgive me,” Savannah smiles over at her. “It’s just that I’ve had enough travel to last me a lifetime.”
“Come sit and tell me about it. We have two hours till we arrive in Indiana. My family will greet us, and I’m afraid I won’t get
