Page 14 of Scarlett

Chapter Five

The surroundings tookall of Scarlett’s attention. She’d never seen so much open space and such beauty of nature. Mountains, trees and grass as far as the eye could see. The train had slowed and the destination announced.

Laurel, Montana, a place that up until just a few days ago, she’d never heard of. Now she clutched her bag and peered out to take in as much as she could of her new home. The day was sunny and warm, but seemed so much different than Philadelphia, with clean freshness in the air.

Two women who also traveled to Laurel had befriended Scarlett. The mother, Harriett and daughter, Fern were joining the patriarch, who’d come months ahead to oversee the building of their home. The man was a banker and Fern, with her mother’s help planned to open a seamstress shop.

According to Harriett, it was a small town, but filled with plenty of amenities so that it would not be too much of an adjustment for Scarlett.

Of course, the woman repeated what the patriarch had written her and seemed to be reassuring herself as much as Scarlett.

Finally the train came to a complete stop and long shrill whistles floated in through the window.

Fern reached for Scarlett’s hand. “We’ll be good friends. Come visit my shop and help me decorate. I am so glad to already have a new friend.”

Although her stomach was in knots, Scarlett couldn’t help but grin at Fern. “Yes, we will be fast friends and perhaps, I will be able to come and help out on occasion. I suppose it depends on my husband.”

Husband. The word felt so foreign each time she said it. It hadn’t occurred to her to not disclose her reason for traveling and the women had accepted it and even congratulated her on being courageous.

The women decided to disembark together and Scarlett wanted to cry with relief, as she did not relish the idea of being alone at this moment.

Fern squeezed her hand. “This is so exciting. I hope he is handsome and tall.”

A chuckle escaped. “Tall?”

“Well yes, I don’t know why, but I favor tall men.” Fern lifted both shoulders in a playful display. “I hope to marry a tall man.”

The platform was filled with activity. People rushed to greet those arriving and men scrambled to and fro helping unload luggage and other items.

There was a small building, which Scarlett assumed was the train station offices. In front, men were lined up, most looking toward the train with curiosity but not moving forward to greet anyone.

When a pair of men disembarked, a younger one came to greet them with a shake of a hand and together they walked off toward where wagons and horses were tethered.

Scarlett wasn’t sure exactly what to do, so she waited for a young boy to come near. “Excuse me. Can you help me unload my trunk?”

The boy grinned showing a missing front tooth. “Yes ma’am. Jus’ show me which one.”

At the same time a man came over to where Fern and Harriett stood. Immediately, Harriett began to cry hugging the older man who looked to be more embarrassed at her display than excited to see her.

Fern smiled warmly and accepted a one-arm hug from her father.

“Phillip, this is our new friend Scarlett,” Harriett introduced her and the man touched the brim of his hat.

“Very nice to meet you,” Scarlett said. “I truly enjoyed getting to know your wife and daughter.”

The man nodded. “Pleased to make your acquaintance young lady.”

When a tall man with dark blond hair neared, Scarlett’s eyes rounded at meeting the handsome man’s gaze. If this was to be her husband, she wasn't sure whom in heaven to thank.

Just then a petite brunette came along to his side and took his arm marking him as hers. Scarlett looked away embarrassed, sure her face was flushed.

“Scarlett Franklin?” the blond man asked, his eyes on her face. “Are you Scarlett Franklin?”

“Yes I am.” Scarlett looked to him and then to the woman. “And you are?”

“Evan Jones,” he said and then turned to the woman. “This is Aurora Jones, my wife. My brother, Emmett, is indisposed and asked us to come fetch you.”

“Oh.”