“What makes you think that?” Cassie asked, surprised that Mrs. Pennyworth would know that.
“I just know. You can’t run forever, Cassandra. You know that, don’t you?”
“How did…?” Cassie stopped. She didn’t want to say too much.
“I’m here to help you.” She looked out the window and then back to Cassie. “I heard that Creede is lovely this time of year.”
“Creede?” Cassie asked.
“Yes, Creede, Colorado. Lovely town, growing population.” Mrs. Pennyworth gave herself a little hug. “Fresh air. The mountains in the distance. There is a lovely lake with wildflowers growing all around it. It would definitely suit you, Cassandra.” Mrs. Pennyworth rummaged through her basket. “Apple?” she asked, holding the fruit towards Cassie.
Cassie’s mouth watered looking at the fresh fruit. Apples were a real treat as she only got them once or twice a year. “No, thank you,” she said hiding her disappointment. She didn’t want to be beholden to anyone.
“It’s alright, Cassandra. I know you wanted an apple back in the store.” She shook the apple in Cassie’s direction.
“How did you know that?” Cassie asked, reluctantly taking the apple from the elderly woman’s hand.
“God provides all things,” she said. “Including me.”
“I don’t understand.” Cassie laid the apple on her lap. She’d eat it later.
“I’m your guardian angel. I was sent here to help you.”
“Help me what?” Cassie had never heard of an angel actually visiting with people before.
“You’ll need to find work when you get to where you are going. You’ll need a home. Protection. Possibly even love and marriage.”
Cassie scoffed. “I don’t think I’ll ever get married.”
“Mr. Weston is not for you, child,” Mrs. Pennyworth said, patting Cassie’s hand. Her skin felt cold where Mrs. Pennyworth touched her. “But there is someone that might be.”
“I don’t believe you,” Cassie scoffed. She stole a glance back at Mrs. Pennyworth. “Who?”
Mrs. Pennyworth looked at the back of the train. “Excuse me for a moment. If I don’t return, feel free to eat what is in the basket.”
Cassie watched her rise and move towards the back of the train car.
“Who are you talking to, girlie?” her father mumbled.
“That lady I saw earlier. She is on this train. I was just talking to her.”
Her father mumbled something under his breath before leaning against the train window. “Keep it down, Cassandra.”
Cassandra apologized and waited for Mrs. Pennyworth to return.
“Where were we?” she asked Cassandra.
“You were…” Cassie looked at her father. “You were just about to tell me who,” she whispered.
“Oh yes. I strongly suggest you go to Creede.”
“What’s there?”
“When you arrive, go to the Haberdashery. The owner, Maximillian Blue, needs help. Tell him I sent you.”
“The Haberdashery in Creede. Mr. Blue,” Cassie repeated. Mrs. Pennyworth nodded.
“You should be able to get a ticket from Denver down to Creede.”
