He showed the conductor his ticket and the man tipped his head and pointed. Joshua headed for the train car and then bolted up the steps. At the top, he showed another train worker his ticket.
“Allow me, sir.” The man held out an arm.
Joshua followed the steward to his accommodations in the luxurious Pullman car. The porter stowed his small trunk and left with a nod. The trip west would be nothing like his trip out here.
That time, he’d been in third class. With a hard bench seat, and he’d had to bring his own food.
This time would be an experience that he wouldn’t take for granted. Because he doubted he’d ever travel first class again.
It was good to be on his way home.
Family would be wonderful to see. Mom and Dad. His older sister and her family. His nephew Caleb had to be what? Nine or ten years old now? That was correct, the lad had been six when Joshua left. Precious boy, his nephew had followed him around for weeks before his train whisked him off east.
Goodness, so much time had passed. What else would be different?
His thoughts went back to the letters at the top of his trunk. To Anna Lakeman. The only woman he could ever imagine loving.
But three years was a long time. What if she was still mad at him? His apology was long overdue.
Then again, she could be off on some months-long expedition with her father digging for bones and might not even be home. What would he do then?
Or worse ... what if she was married? Surely his parents would have mentioned that in their correspondence.
His stomach didn’t like that thought one bit as it sank like a rock.
The train lurched forward and then started its way out of the city.
He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
Anna. Her dark hair and dark eyes teased him with a smile in his mind’s eye. Ever since they were young, she’d held him enraptured.
“Excuse me, sir.”
The low voice pulled Joshua out of his thoughts. When he opened his eyes, the train was surging along through fields. Definitely not in Chicago anymore. “My apologies.” He must have fallen asleep. Hopefully he hadn’t drooled or snored. Heavens, he shouldn’t be allowed in first class.
“Not a problem, sir.” The steward clasped his hands in front of him. “The dining car is up ahead of you if you’d liketo get dinner. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.” The man moved on to the passengers behind him.
Joshua swiped a hand down his face and blinked to clear the sleep away. Apparently, he’d slept longer than just a few minutes. Standing up, he straightened his suit jacket and headed toward the dining car.
As he made his way into the lavish area, it took everything in him to keep his mouth closed. Granted, he’d seen this kind of opulence in Chicago, but never thought he was deserving of the experience.
A waiter stepped toward him. “Allow me to seat you, sir.”
“Thank you.” Hopefully he didn’t sound like the country bumpkin he was. Of course, if he chose to stay in Chicago after his medical training—which would only happen if Anna rejected him for good—he’d have to work on being acceptable to the upper classes.
Which held no appeal.
At all.
Who was he trying to kid? All the awards, encouragement, and education in the world didn’t matter when his heart was back at home.
Once he was seated, a menu was placed in his hands. “Please let me know if there is anything I can get for you.” The man gave a slight bow and walked toward another table.
Joshua took a moment to peruse the menu. Mr. Bricker had written that all of his meals were included on this journey. Luxury indeed.
A glance out the window and a deep breath helped to ground him back into reality.
This was his. If only for a while. Almost like his schooling opportunity, Joshua didn’t want to take any of it for granted.
