“I will write to you as soon as I can, Elizabeth. Be happy,” Bronnah whispers when the ship docks and they separate into their selected lines. Married couples go one direction while singles go another.
“I am. I will be, he’s wonderful. Promise me that you will choose wisely. Have an open heart, you deserve to be happy.”
“I promise.” Bronnah smiles and hugs her tightly. Turning quickly, she heads down the line with her small satchel holding her travel documents and money. Bronnah doesn’t look back for fear that she will change her mind. Stiffening her spine, she looks up and gets into the line that corresponds to the tag on her trunk.
Sooner than she wished for it's her turn. "Name and destination?" The clerk asks.
“Bronnah O’Dalaigh, I was told to ask for Mrs. Killian.” Papers are shuffled, and the clerk stands up.
“Right this way, Miss.” The clerk leads Bronnah out of the crowds and down a long hallway into a holding room. Inside the room are fourteen other young women in varying dress and ages. “Wait here, please.”
Bronnah smiles as she glances around the room and for once, she's glad Lizzy insisted she change dresses. Lizzy chose a cream day dress with a tight waist and light blue trim for Bronnah to meet the man who will become her husband. She would hate to meet him looking a mess. The women are all excited and chatting amongst themselves when an older woman enters the room followed by three others.
With a clap of her hands, the ladies fall silent. “Welcome. I am Mrs. Killian. I’m sure you’re are all excited and tired from your long journey. We will be leaving in groups to go to the hotel. There, you will have a wonderful meal and have the evening to rest and recuperate before tomorrow’s meeting. In a moment, you will each be given a number when your number is called fall into line. That is how we will travel to the hotel.” A translator explains in two other languages, French, and German for those young women from other countries.
Mrs. Killian is a nicely dressed woman, mid-fifties, with a trim figure and warm smile. She holds a leather-bound ledger, and they quickly begin filtering through the fourteen women, referencing her book and handing out tickets. When it finally is Bronnah's turn, Mrs. Killian herself walks over.
“Hello, your name is?”
“Bronnah O’Dalaigh, from Ireland by way of England.” The woman flips through her papers and smiles.
“I see, and your travel companion? Did she not make the trip?” Mrs. Killian is glancing around for Lizzy.
“No, unfortunately, she couldn’t come. She did, however, ask me to pay you for the cost of her ticket.” When Bronnah tries to hand her the money, Mrs. Killian stops her.
“Call me Rose. Keep your money. Many die on the trip over or don’t follow through, but I appreciate the honesty. You’re striking, Bronnah. I find it hard to believe you aren’t married.”
"I'm widowed," Bronnah said suddenly aware that the room is broken up into groups and waiting on her.
“Right. Here is your ticket. You will be with the Poppy group. I named each after a flower.” She laughs and guides Bronnah to a group of three other girls. Immediately, Bronnah notices how beautiful the others are. “Let’s go.” The next hour passes in a blur of excitement for everyone.
Bronnah's group is led down the hallway and out the back door into a covered coach. The four of them climb inside, and Mrs. Killian gives the driver directions. One of her helpers climb up front, and they are off.
As they are pulling away from the gardens, Bronnah wonders about the other groups. Looking at the other girls, it is obvious they were sorted by looks. She doesn't know whether to be terrified or flattered. Does that mean the men looking for wives were only seeking a certain kind of wife?
Two of the girls in the carriage are French, and one is German. Bronnah's French is superb, but her German is rusty. Before Bronnah can introduce herself one of the girls speaks. Oddly enough, they all speak English. "I'm Helene," the German girl says.
Introductions are quickly made, Emma and Diane traveled together from France as she did with Lizzy. Conversation stops as they take in the sights. The city is aglow with lanterns and tons of people. Even at night, the streets are crowded. The ride is over quickly, and when they emerge, they are standing in front of a beautiful three-story brick hotel with beautifully sculpted gardens. Bronnah walks a few steps away to look over the grounds and is surprised when a young Asian boy steps out of the shadows.
"Please, you help?" He's obviously destitute. His clothes are threadbare, and he's barefoot and dirty. Bronnah is instantly reminded of her brother. Digging in her little bag, she pulls out the twelve dollars she saved for the trip. His eyes fly open wide, and he bows, thanking her. With a glance, back at the group, she's with, he turns and runs back into the shadows.
"This way please, ladies, Rose calls. You will find your accommodations superb." Bronnah hurries to catch up, and a bellhop opens the doors, and they walk inside a gorgeous lobby. A large fireplace is lit, and the lush green carpet and velvet burgundy walls are luxurious to Bronnah's eyes.
They walk down a long hallway towards the back of the hotel, stopping at a door. Pulling out a key she opens it revealing a suite, which opens into a large sitting room. A fresh tea service is rolled in on a silver tray and the girls all smile and look around. “You will share this suite. Two in each room and Mrs. Davis will be by later to check on you.”
