Chapter 9

Elise stared out the window at the passing landscape. After almost a full day of riding on the train, she’d finally grown accustomed to the amazing speed. The two sisters sitting across from her had told her the train could go as fast as thirty miles per hour, but usually ran less than that because of curves and inclines and frequent stops to pick up or drop off passengers.

The scenery had fascinated her and kept her occupied for hours. In fact, the view seemed to change every few miles. Rolling hills cultivated with golden harvests would transform into granite cliffs all around her, as though the hill had been blasted wide open to make room for the train track. After passing through the deep-cut rock, they would emerge into a lush river valley studded with trees that gleamed in the sun like jewels of emerald, burgundy, and gold.

Sometimes the train passed through thick forestland that looked untouched by humankind. They’d once crossed a river gorge on a bridge that was high above the rushing waters. She didn’t stop gripping the wooden bench until they’d safely reached the other side and were back among the wooded hills. In recent miles, the land had become more level with gently rolling hills—still pretty, but not quite as majestic as earlier.

She shifted her attention to the train compartment, which was stuffy and sour, especially since the passenger next to her had been sick to her stomach on and off throughout the day. While the poor woman managed to empty her stomach in the toilet closet, the bitter odor lingered around her. The stench of the toilet had worsened as the day had progressed too.

The shifting of the sun and lengthening shadows of the trees told Elise that daylight would soon be fading. She was more than ready for another break, a longer one like they’d had at the noon hour. A chance to stretch her legs, to walk around, to breathe the fresh air that was so clean and different from New York City.

Her desire to get out of the train certainly didn’t have anything to do with Thornton Quincy or the promise he’d extracted from her to let him see her again. Had he really said that or had she only imagined it?

He was the last person she’d expected to see today. In fact, she’d long forgotten him since their brief time together the night of the rioting. Or at least she’d tried to put him out of her mind. She couldn’t deny that for days afterward, she’d saved the dainty blue silk flower he’d given her and hoped he would stop by and see how they were faring. She’d wanted to make sure he’d made it back to wherever he needed to be.

But as the weeks had passed and as the financial situation throughout New York steadily deteriorated, she’d had too many other worries to give Thornton Quincy another thought. Until today.

She’d been so despondent all morning, remembering Marianne’s and Sophie’s stricken faces and Olivia’s and Nicholas’s frightened ones. And she’d worried about the hundred and one horrible things that could happen to them while she was away. But then once she’d met Thornton, her wildly careening thoughts and worries had seemed to level out. She wasn’t sure why, but she’d been able to regard her predicament more rationally again.

She wasn’t leaving her siblings forever. They were safe at the mission, and eventually she’d save enough to send for them. If Illinois was anything like what she’d witnessed today, she couldn’t imagine any better place to live.

The squeal of the brakes and screech of the wheels sent a charge through Elise. This was it; they were stopping. She’d get to see Thornton again. If he was still on the train and hadn’t disembarked at one of the dozen little towns they’d stopped in. And if he’d really meant what he said earlier.

Once the train finally came to a complete stop and the churning and clanging and hissing had died away, leaving the car strangely silent, Miss Shaw clapped vigorously from the front of the car. “My dearest ladies, I know that some of you came prepared with your own food for our lovely trip. But for those of you who did not, you will have time to purchase a hot meal here. The fee will be added to your travel expenses and deducted like everything else from your first earnings.”

Elise stifled a grumble at the injustice of her situation. Who knew how long she’d have to work to pay off the ticket and meal expenses accrued on the journey? But what could she do since she’d left the meager remainder of her money with Marianne? She’d wanted Marianne to have something just in case . . .

Standing and stretching, she slid a glance at Fanny, who was looking out the window at the train depot, a much larger building than the one they’d stopped at earlier. Fanny hadn’t spoken to her all day, clearly avoiding her. And that was perfectly fine with Elise.

Elise waited behind the others to exit, and when she stepped outside, she tried not to scour the crowd too eagerly for Thornton. When she didn’t see his tall frame or his sharp, handsome profile, she released a breath and told herself not to be disappointed. She didn’t know the man. He wasn’t beholden to her and surely had more important people to see than her. Perhaps he’d only suggested meeting with her to be kind.

Elise followed the stream of passengers toward the train station, an enormous two-story building made of solid brick with a white sign above an arched colonnade that read Elmira. Glancing beyond the station, she was surprised to see the train tracks ran directly through the middle of a busy downtown area. Carriages clattered along a street lined with shops and businesses. Pedestrians strolled along sidewalks, businessmen strode briskly, and a vendor on one corner appeared to be selling fresh farm produce.

“There you are” came a cultured voice next to her, followed by a distinctively masculine scent that reminded her of allspice and warm butter. She turned to find Thornton Quincy, wearing a crisp black suit and waistcoat, grinning down at her.

Her stomach did a flip. Before she acknowledged his presence, she quickly composed herself and asked, “Do you remember my name this time?”

“Of course. I’ve thought of little else all afternoon. Elise.” His voice was rich and almost intimate. “I won’t forget it ever again. Of that you can be certain.”

“That’s very noble of you to say,” she countered calmly. “But I won’t hold you to it.”

Without asking permission, he reached for her hand, tucked it into the crook of his arm, and began to lead her away from the train station. “I know of a restaurant down the street that serves excellent food,” he said. “Let’s go there.”

She didn’t protest; she didn’t want to. As they rounded the depot, she allowed herself to study him more. She was struck again, as earlier, at the refined taper of his jaw and cheeks, now smooth, the rough stubble he’d worn earlier shaven away. A few strands of dark hair showed beneath his hat and fell haphazardly across his forehead.

As though sensing her perusal, he raised his brows. “Will I do? Am I presentable enough?”

“I’m still debating.” Even as she quipped, she focused on a passing wagon pulled by a sturdy team of horses. He was more than presentable, but she certainly couldn’t reveal that.

“I’ll have you know I spent the past half hour at my grooming so I could impress you.”

He needn’t have spent any time on his appearance and he still would have impressed her, but she jested in return. “Then I’m afraid I won’t impress you in the least since I’m wrinkled, dusty, and smell like soot.” Or worse. Like the toilet at the back of the train car.

He laughed and tucked her hand closer as he guided her across the street. Once they were safely on the other side, he slowed his step and leaned toward her. “You could do nothing more to impress me since you have already won me over.”

She was at a loss for how to respond. Fortunately, she was spared further embarrassment when he stopped in front of an establishment with an awning above the door with the words Bennet House across it.

As he opened the door and ushered her in, at the sight that met her she took a rapid step back. The dining room was much too elegant for a simple woman like her, with silk white cloths on the tables that contrasted with the dark mahogany wood, ornamentally carved and polished to a shine. Fancy white napkins folded into scallops decorated the tables, along with silverware and fresh-cut flowers. Several chandeliers cast a soft glow over the room, which was busy but surprisingly subdued even as servers moved around the tables.

She fumbled for the door handle behind her. “I can’t eat here,” she whispered to Thornton.

With a laugh, he pulled her away from the door. “Of course you can.”

She tugged back. “No, I can’t.”

“What’s wrong?”

“A meal here will cost me a week’s wages, if not more,” she whispered. When he’d spoken earlier in the day about many businesses losing all they had, she’d assumed he was speaking from personal experience, that perhaps he was like her, branching out to find employment somewhere new. Maybe she’d been mistaken.

His dark brown eyes regarded her for a moment before finally widening with understanding. “Actually, it won’t cost you anything because I intend to pay for the meal.”

She shook her head. “I can’t accept charity.”

“This isn’t charity, Elise. Can’t a man treat a pretty lady to dinner?”

He thought she was pretty? She lowered her gaze to the spotless wooden floor, suddenly unable to think clearly.

“Ah, Mr. Quincy.” An older gentleman in an immaculate black suit and bow tie approached Thornton. “It’s very nice to see you again.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bennet. It’s nice to see you too.”

Mr. Bennet? The owner of the establishment? Elise tried not to stare at the man.

“Would you like your usual room for the night?” he asked, casting a quick glance at Elise that made her wish she had taken more time to groom. She could have at least restyled her hair.

Thornton shook his head. “No. Just a meal tonight. I only have an hour.”

“Very good, sir. Then we shall serve you right away.”

Thornton nodded his gratefulness and waved Elise ahead of him, indicating that she should follow Mr. Bennet. The proprietor took them to a more secluded table near the back of the room. Thornton pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit before rounding the table and taking the spot across from her.

She folded her hands in her lap, afraid to touch the tablecloth for fear she’d leave a smudge. She had the strange longing to pick up the silverware and admire the heavy feel of it, or to bury her face in the bouquet of asters at the center of the table. She hadn’t seen anything so lovely in years.

But she was sure every eye in the room was upon her, wondering why she was there and accusing her of being an imposter. Before she could say anything to Thornton, a serving man approached him. Thornton spoke to the man in hushed tones before the man nodded and spun away.

“So,” Thornton said, leaning back in his chair with an easy smile, “now that I have you all to myself for the next hour, I want to hear all about you.” He folded his hands on the table and looked at her with such lusciously dark eyes that she felt for a moment as if he really did care.

“There isn’t much more to tell.” She wanted to pinch herself to see if she was only dreaming. Was she really in this elegant restaurant, having dinner with this suave and sophisticated man?

“Then start by telling me how you’re doing.”

“I’m alive.”

“Well, that’s good to know. I’m glad we have that settled.”

She smiled at his wit. She’d never a met a man quite like Thornton, someone who could start a conversation about anything and who could make her smile in spite of the heaviness in her heart.

As they talked, she was surprised at the ease with which she could share with him all that had happened over the two months since she’d last seen him. She was even more surprised at how carefully he listened. By the time their meal arrived, she was finally beginning to feel comfortable, only to have her stomach tie in knots again at the sight of the veal cutlets with a champagne sauce, broiled oysters, and creamy mashed potatoes garnished with parsley.

All the while she ate, she couldn’t keep from thinking about Marianne and Sophie and the two little ones and how she could feed her entire family with this one meal. It was too much for just her. But by the time their server placed crystal dishes of lemon custard in front of them, she was embarrassed to realize she’d eaten every morsel.

After they finished their custard, she sat back strangely satisfied in a way she hadn’t been in a long time. The conversation with Thornton was actually just as fulfilling as the sumptuous meal, the kind of meal Vater would have made long ago, the kind of meal she’d love to make herself.

“Did dinner pass your high standards?” Thornton asked when he ushered her out into the evening. With the sun dipping behind the tree line on the horizon, a chill had settled over the western New York town.

Elise had neglected to bring her coat from the train, so she held in a shiver. “It was the best food I’ve eaten in a very long time.”

“Me too,” he said. “Ever since the chicken and dumplings I had at the mission prepared by the world’s greatest cook.”

She smiled as she walked next to him. “I see how you operate. With flattery.”

“You have me all figured out.”

Faint piano music spilled from a tavern down the street, along with the laughter and noises of a public eating room. Even though the street was still milling with people, for a moment Elise felt suspended in time and space with just him. Fiery orange, deep blue, and faint purple painted the sky overhead. A lone star shone amidst the breathtaking sight. She breathed in a deep, contented breath.

“So is it working?” he asked.

“Hmm?”

“The flattery? Is it working its magic on you?”

“What magic would you like it to work?” Once her words were out, she inwardly flushed at how brazen her question might come across.

“I was hoping it would convince you to let me see you again tomorrow.” The statement was so soft, it beckoned her to meet his gaze. When she did, her breath caught at the sincerity in his eyes, and something else she couldn’t define but that sent a warm shimmer through her.

Before she could formulate an answer, a loud train whistle rose into the air, reminding them they needed to hurry back to the depot.

“Come on.” He captured her hand in his.

She didn’t have the chance to protest his fingers wrapping around hers as he tugged her along, nor did she want to.

“If we’re late, the conductor may decide to make me ride on top of the coal tender as punishment,” he said over his shoulder with a wink.

The wink weakened her knees. As she stumbled along after him, she found herself breathless and laughing.

When they reached the platform, it was bustling with stragglers like them rushing to board. She withdrew her hand from his reluctantly, yet knowing she needed to be careful with her conduct. She couldn’t give the Children’s Aid Society any reason to let her go.

At the step of her passenger car, she found herself suspended slightly above him, looking down on his angular features that radiated self-confidence. She had no doubt he knew how appealing and handsome he was.

“Thank you for dinner,” she said.

“Thank you for agreeing to go with me.”

She wanted to thank him for helping to make the day slightly more bearable, but instead she turned to go.

“Elise,” he called after her.

With one hand on the rail, she glanced behind.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” His expression contained so much hope that she couldn’t deny him even if she’d wanted to—which she didn’t. She gave him a quick nod before rushing into the car and putting him out of sight.

She hurried down the aisle, realizing she was one of the last to board. As she passed Miss Shaw, she tensed and half expected the woman to grab her arm and demand to know where she’d been. Thankfully, Miss Shaw didn’t seem to be paying attention to her. No one was. And after Elise lowered herself onto the hard bench in her spot next to the window, she released a relieved breath. She eased her shoulders back and couldn’t keep from smiling at the thought that Thornton wanted to spend time with her again tomorrow.

The train lurched forward, the movement sending her forward enough to see across the aisle, where Fanny O’Leary sat staring at her. For the first time that day, Fanny finally acknowledged Elise was there. Of course, the young Irishwoman was smirking.

Elise’s smile fell away, along with all the pleasure from the past hour. No doubt Fanny had seen her with Thornton. From her seat by the window, Fanny had a perfect view of the train depot and a perfect view of her holding hands with Thornton.

Elise’s muscles tightened. What would Fanny do with her newfound information? Elise wouldn’t put it past the woman to figure out a way to stir up trouble. And trouble was the last thing Elise needed. She couldn’t afford to lose her job, this last chance to make something of her pitiful life and finally provide for her sisters.

As much as she’d enjoyed spending time with Thornton today, she couldn’t put her job at risk by spending time with him again. What was the point of it anyway? Even if he was kind, sweet, and enjoyable to be with, they had no future beyond a day or two of traveling on the same train.

No. Despite his very handsome face and winsome smile, she simply couldn’t take the risk. Although she had promised Thornton she’d see him tomorrow, she realized now it was one promise she would have to break.