AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Mama," she cried, throwing herself into Lenore's arms.
CHAPTER 29
Prudence glanced over her shoulder for the tenth time in twenty minutes. Nothing had changed in the chaotic scene of people hurrying about, preparing to board the train at Plattsmouth.
It was different from the last time she was here. Then she was heading in the opposite direction, and she had prayed that Zac wouldn't show up. Now she prayed he would appear and demand she return home with him.
"There's still plenty of time to change your mind," her father urged, coming up behind her. "I could change your ticket and you could get the early train back tomorrow morning."
"There's an early train tomorrow morning?"
He nodded in excitement, hoping that Prudence would realize her foolishness and return to Zac. He had to at least try to convince her to return, or the guilt would haunt him for the rest of his life. "I spoke with the stationmaster and he informed me there would be no problem exchanging tickets."
Prudence fought against the urge to run inside the ticket office and scream for her ticket to be exchanged. If Zac hadn't made the effort to come after her, perhaps he didn't love her after all.
"Zac could have been held up by that problem at the ranch," her father offered, almost reading her thoughts. "Or perhaps he's been hurt."
The awful prospect registered clearly on Prudence's face.
Her father played on her fear further, hoping it would force her to return. "You really should consider the possibility. He might need you at this very moment. He could be seriously injured. You should go back immediately."
"I'm sure Zac's ranch foreman would have sent a wire somewhere along the way, informing Prudence if such a mishap occurred," Granger said, joining father and daughter.
Prudence's sigh was audible. "He's right, Father. Josh would have wired me."
James wanted to strangle Granger with his very own hands. "I still feel it wise for you to return."
"Nonsense, James. Why, Zac is probably taking his time and intends to join Prudence in Boston," Granger suggested, and reached for Prudence's hand. "Allow me to assist you in boarding the train." He took her hand and they walked off.
James stepped forward to protest, when he was stopped by Lenore's hand to his arm. Prudence and Granger walked ahead.
"Let it be," she said softly.
"But she's making a mistake… a dreadful mistake. I can't just stand by and watch her throw her life away," James insisted. His frustration mounted with each step his daughter took with Granger toward the train.
"You cannot force her to return. It would do her no good. She must walk this passage of her life herself. Her strength and courage will guide her."
James looked doubtful. "Her life experiences have been limited. She isn't mature enough to understand the implication of her foolish actions."
Lenore addressed him with a gentle and patient smile. "She has experienced much more than you think. Allow her this folly and watch over her with a hopeful heart."
"This certainly is a folly. My heart is breaking in two, knowing what a dreadful mistake she's making and not doing anything to stop it."
Lenore guided him toward the train upon hearing the blast of the boarding whistle. "Watch and see, James, it will all work out."
James muttered beneath his breath while boarding, thinking women were not, nor would they ever be practical creatures.
The train chugged forward with a start, rocking the passengers in their seats. It pulled away slowly, picking up speed as it drew more power from the mighty engine.
Prudence felt her heart break with each chug of the train. She had envisioned Zac coming after her. The scene had been so vivid in her mind's eye. He'd wear his black waistcoat and trousers. His silver six-shooters would be strapped on and his hat would ride low in that familiar fashion that shaded his eyes from view, yet allowed him the privilege of scrutinizing those around him.
He would declare his love for her and demand that she return with him. He might even throw her over his shoulder and storm off to the nearest hotel.
Her cheeks flushed to a pale pink from the heat her mental wandering had brought upon her. Prudence had to admit she missed the intimacy they shared. She no longer felt shy around him. She was familiar and comfortable with him, and she liked the easy feeling.
She sighed and rested her head against the pane of the train window. She would miss this land and the people. But most of all she would miss Zac. It had taken her departure to make her realize her love for him was just as strong as his love for her. She shouldn't have questioned or tested it. He had offered it to her freely and had spoken of it openly. He loved her, from the tips of her toes to the top of her head, and that's all there was to it.
