Searching for Anna, Jenifer Carll-Tong [cheapest way to read ebooks TXT] 📗

"Settle yourself, dear," Mrs. Albright said, squeezing Phoebe's hand.

She looked into her mother's soft, green eyes and smiled. "Is it that obvious?"

"You're about to wear a hole in the platform with your tapping."

Phoebe stilled her foot. "It would be easier if Father weren't taking so long purchasing my ticket."

"Oh, he probably found someone to have a chat with."

Normally, her father's propensity for gabbing didn't bother Phoebe, but today was different. "But if I miss this train, I'll have to take the next. If I take the next train, I won't arrive at Indian River when the Reverend and Mrs. Cook are expecting me. They might assume I'm not coming. If they leave the station, I'll be stranded there until the next morning. If that happens–"

"Hush, now. Here he comes. And I was right…he found someone to talk to."

Phoebe turned to see her father and Sarah weaving through the crowd with two more family members close behind.

"Esther!" Phoebe said. "I told you to stay home and rest!"

"I wouldn't let you leave without seeing you off! Besides, the doctor said that I am the picture of health!"

Her brother-in-law John helped Reverend Albright carry Phoebe's trunks to the baggage car. Truth be known, she owned enough to fill three trunks, but Dr. Berger had said in his final letter that the parsonage would be outfitted with everything she needed. And, after all, she had spent the last four years with only one trunk's worth of belongings, so certainly she could make do with only two. But those two were packed to the brim and were apparently very heavy. Her father faltered a bit, but before he dropped the chest, a Michigan State Trooper who was boarding the train was there to assist him.

"Very dashing," Esther whispered, motioning toward the officer. "And handsome."

Phoebe shot her sister a look. "You're married!"

"I didn't say he was more handsome than John. That would be impossible." She winked at her. "And I suppose he's not as handsome as your constable, either."

"I don't know who you are talking about."

Esther snorted. "Don't try to deny that he reminded you of Will."

"He did not. And Will is not my constable."

Esther rolled her eyes. "Of course, he isn't."

Phoebe was irked by her sister's assumption, but not more so than she was with herself for lying. In truth, the man had reminded her of Will, though she was loath to admit it. She was also loath to admit that it wasn't the first time she had thought of him. She had expected Will to at least have written her father, if not a letter penned to her personally, but they'd heard nothing from him since he'd left Lansing, despite his promises to do otherwise. And now she was leaving.

'Serves him right,' she thought as she imagined him returning home for a visit only to discover that she wasn't there. 'I guess he should have written like he promised.'

The two men rejoined the women just as the train whistle blew.

"Well, I guess it's time to say our goodbyes," John said. He gave Phoebe a brotherly hug. "Win some souls, ya hear sis?"

Esther pulled Phoebe into her own arms. "You will write, won't you? Every week. Promise me."

"Every week," she said, her voice cracking slightly. She then turned to her little sister.

"Oh, Sarah, don't cry. You'll just make me cry as well."

"I'm going to miss you," Sarah blubbered. "What if I never see you again."

"Of course, you'll see me. Tell you what, maybe next summer you can visit me up north?"

Sarah perked up at that, although Mrs. Albright didn't seem too pleased. Her countenance didn't stay sour for long, however. She smiled at her middle child and grasped her hands.

"Phoebe, dear, I couldn't be more proud of you!" Mrs. Albright gathered her in her arms. No sorrow. No tears. Just joy. Phoebe was grateful for her mother's positivity, but she was surprised by it.

"You aren't worried anymore?" Phoebe asked.

"Oh, no dear. I know now that you'll be safe," she said, then ended with, "but I will miss you terribly."

Reverend Albright cleared his throat. "Alright, then, let's pause a moment to pray together as a family – one last time."

As they all circled and held hands, Reverend Albright led them in a prayer of thankfulness – for God's calling, His provision, and His hope for their futures. He prayed for guidance for Phoebe and for strength for her family back home in her absence. Above all, he prayed that God's will be done in all their lives.

"And Lord, we pray for Will. Continue to protect him and bless him. We thank you for the sacrifices he makes for this State and for our family. We ask this in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen."

They finished praying and Phoebe reached for her bags, but her father grabbed them instead.

"I am fully capable of carrying – "

"I know you are," he said picking up another bag that Phoebe didn't recognize.

"Wait, that one isn't mine."

"I know," he answered matter-of-factly. "It's mine."

Realization dawned on Phoebe. Her father was going with her.

"Daddy, I know you mean