Billionaire Flawed 1(129)

“I am, thank you.”

“You look very nervous. Is this your first time on the train?”

“I did a little traveling with my father when I was younger,” Hettie confessed. “But this time, I am traveling alone. I’m not a little girl anymore. But I feel like one inside.”

The woman nodded emphatically. “I can understand that, sweetie. You are off on your own adventure then?”

“Yes, I’m going to the West to start a new life.”

“Oh, my. Leaving all you knew behind, are you?”

“Yes.”

The woman nodded, put a hand forward and rested it on Hettie’s “I’m Ester Canaberry. What’s your name?”

“Hettie Longfield.”

“Well, it’s good to meet you, Hettie. Do you know where you will be living when you get to the West?”

“Elko. I’ll be wed to the Sheriff there.”

“How interesting.” Ester nodded, taking her hand back and resting it in the other small wrinkled one on her lap. The knitting needles she had been using clinked when she set her hands down. “Do you know how to knit?” She asked, glancing down.

“I do.” Hettie nodded.

“Would you like to do some with me while we travel?”

Hettie had to smile again. She nodded without a word and lifted her hands to receive the work Ester had been working on. She inspected it. “Is it a bonnet?”

“It is. It’s for my great grand baby girl, Mona. I am also traveling to Nevada, but not Elko. That’s where my daughter lives now. She went there in the same fashion as you.”

Hettie’s eyes opened wide. “Isn’t that a coincidence?”

Ester tilted her head. “Yes, it does seem so.”



Ester’s stop was before Hettie’s, so she spent the last hour riding by herself. She had finished the bonnet for Ester, who praised the work vehemently, making Hettie blush furiously. She was relieved to hear that her stop was next and gathered her bag in her lap, retrieving her coat from where she had set it next to her. She certainly didn’t need it. The air was very warm and dry.

She patiently waited until she was given permission to depart. She looked out through the window at the platform outside. It was deserted. She pulled in a deep breath, stood up and walked out of the cabin.

She was the only one leaving the train, but there were several people getting on. She watched them when she stepped off as they said goodbye to their friends or family. It made her miss her brother and father.

A couple was coming toward her with attentive looks. She straightened her spine and made sure a pleasant look was on her face. They didn’t look very happy, but they also didn’t look unfriendly. She was confused by their presence and prepared herself for whatever might be coming her way.

“Hello!” The woman was the first one to greet her. She was tall, slender and dressed in a single layer dress, tall boots that reached halfway up her calves and was carrying a parasol with bright colors on it. Hettie had to assume it was to keep the sun from bursting down too much on the woman’s head because there was not a single chance of rain. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky.

“Hello,” Hettie responded, smiling at the woman and reaching out to take her hand.

“You are Hettie?”

“I am.”

The woman nodded and looked back at the man she was with. He was tall, muscled and looked like he wanted to turn around and run right then and there. Hettie was somewhat amused, wondering if he was the man she was to marry. He certainly didn’t have the countenance of a Sheriff. She suddenly envisioned herself taking over as Sheriff of the town in his place. She lifted her hand to hide a giggle.

“This is John, my husband. I am Elizabeth Bannerman, but you can call me Liz. We are here to pick you up. Are you prepared? Do you have your bags?”

“This is what I have here.” She gestured to the two luggage bags sitting next to her.

Liz looked up at John and nodded. He gave her a distinct look, leaned down and picked up the bags. Without saying a word, he turned and went back toward the edge of the platform, where six steps would take them down to the parking area. Hettie saw a pretty yellow carriage waiting there, with two horses leading it that looked tall and majestic.

“Very nice carriage,” Hettie said, admiringly.

“Why, thank you, Hettie.”

Once they were in the carriage, Hettie tried not to mention the tension between the husband and wife. It was so thick; Hettie thought she would be able to cut it with a knife. She looked from one to the other. He was looking out the window, his jaw set. She was smiling at Hettie with a nervous look.

“May I ask why James did not come to get me?” Hettie asked in a small voice. She was a strong woman, but the pressure in the room was palpable.