Savannah walks away from the fast-moving landscape, “No, I must get to Iowa, quickly.”
“Well, I insist you use this railcar until you arrive. I’ve already arranged for you to continue on.”
Tears fill her eyes, and she sniffs. “I’ve never traveled in such luxury. We usually traveled by wagon. Thank you for your generosity, Mrs. Kruger.”
“None of that now. Your face will turn red and splotchy. Tell me how often you had to move with the Sisters?” Savannah chuckles and sniffs quietly.
“It was dependent on the orders. They sent them to the location of the worst battles. Mother Mary received a change order six months after first arriving from New York, to go to South Carolina. We were there for ten months to treat an epidemic of fever, then on to Virginia.”
“I don’t blame you for not wanting to travel.” Mrs. Kruger pours tea and glances at Savannah. “Why Virginia?”
“I quit asking why,” Savannah replied with a shrug of her shoulders. “It was always the same reason. We were sent in to treat the wounded, dying and infected from the aftermath of a heavy battle. I trained under Mother Mary until she passed from fever, then sister Elizabeth.”
At Mrs. Kruger’s look of surprise, she continues. “Replacements were sent for the ones we lost. I often wondered why not me?” Savannah glanced at the older woman who gently sets her cup down and reaches for her hand.
“The Bible says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, sayeth the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Savannah, I’ve lived for sixty-two years, and I’ve learned that its best if we don’t try to understand God’s plan, just trust him.”
Savannah clasps her hand tightly. “I’m trying, Mrs. Kruger, but the past haunts me. The nightmares have faded, mostly. I watched my brother fight his way through similar feelings. I pray this trip will wash away the debt leaving me free to start living again.”
“Child, every breath is the very act of living,” Mrs. Kruger insists.
Savannah stands and paces away in the small cabin. “I know that, but I feel a driving force pushing me to complete this task. Does that sound crazy?”
“No, it sounds like you’re listening to that whispering voice. Gods direction isn’t always a scream, and sometimes it’s a gentle nudge. Trust him, pray and enjoy the journey.”
Savannah pauses midstride and sits down with a look of surprise on her face.
“I’ve only just realized that my talks with the Lord aren’t as frequent as they once were. He feels so distant and unfamiliar sometimes. Does that make sense?”
“Yes. We often stray during our lifetime.” Mrs. Kruger holds up a small Bible and smiles. “I’ve found that if I carve out time first thing in the morning or the evening before bed, it strengthens that bond.”
“I used to feel him with me so deeply, and I miss that connection,” Savannah whispers.
“You need to rekindle your faith, and he never left you, child. He’s just waiting for you to realize it.”
A flicker of hope lights in Savannah’s heart and she wonders when did she let it go out? “Thank you, Mrs. Kruger, you’ve been a huge help to me.” Savannah sniffs back tears. “I must admit that I’m very nervous about meeting this family.” She’d explained the why of this trip to Mrs. Kruger during their time together and had come to trust her opinion.
“I’m sure they are nervous as well. Promise me that you will be careful. I don’t like that you’re traveling on alone.”
“You sound like my family,” Savannah laughs, “I’ve traveled all over by myself. This trip will be tame compared to what I’ve seen, Mrs. Kruger.”
“I’m sure but consider my offer to stop on your way back home. I’d welcome your company again.”
“Thank you, I will.”
****
Glenn stares at the letter in his hand with shock. Along with an offer to publish a book of wartime images the publisher is asking that S.E. Ward, (Savannah) sign an exclusive offer. An advance of one hundred dollars is included, with the caveat she isn’t to show the images nor sell any of them. They would like to see more of Oliver’s images before they complete the offer. He is offering to meet her in Iowa to finalize the details. Unease flutters in his heart. “That’s a lot of money to throw at someone and a long way to go to look at some pictures.” Glenn stomps upstairs into Savannah’s room, and jerks open her desk drawer.
“Let’s take a closer look at these images.” A few minutes later he’s staring at one, in particular, that seems off. Unsure of what he’s looking at he decides to break his promise to Savannah and share these images with Dayton. In two days, he arrives to look at the pony he’s buying. One man in the image is standing in front of a wagon of weapons and shaking hands with a General, from the Confederate army.
“Dayton has ties to Washington. Perhaps he can tell me if I’m worrying over nothing.” Glenn whispers a quick prayer of protection for Savannah and puts the images away.
Chapter 10
Iowa
Spring planting is the busiest time of year on Laurel Farm. Eli loves to watch the field come up and begin to ripen. Sunrise paints the fields with a golden glow. Riding through the planting fields, he smiles with pride. His Father homesteaded this land with his Mother, and it was a working farm, right up until the war. They managed enough to feed the family and live comfortably. Eli joined the Militia to protect farms like his family home while Oliver chose more colorful pursuits.
Eli’s family often teased that he
