Undeterred

Chapter Five

"Now arriving at Bristol Station!" Cora blinked her eyes. How long had she been asleep? Last she recalled someone had taken her dinner plate away and she had nestled into her seat watching trees, farms, and wildlife pass by on her left. She had little time to ponder before hearing the familiar thumping of boots on the floorboards. "I believe this is your stop," the conductor murmured giving a slight smirk.

"Oh thank you!" Cora smiled as she stood and gathered her purse. "You have been most gracious. Have a safe trip home." The conductor nodded.

Hastily Cora made her way to the platform just outside the coach. A porter was stacking luggage. "Extra! Extra! Confederate advances north!" Passengers bustled around collecting luggage, handing off luggage, boarding and exiting coaches.

Best get my luggage. Cora hastened to the porter and grabbed her two suitcases. Try as she might the luggage seemed to have a mind of its own.

"Allow me," a gentle voice of a lad not much older than herself offered. A weathered, but otherwise tender hand grasped one of her suitcases. Cora smiled and followed the arm up to the face of the kind-hearted stranger.

"Thankyou very much!" The lad smirked in return.

"My pleasure; my name is Levi Johnston. And you are?"

"I am Cora McCluen."

"Welcome to Bristol, Tennessee! What brings you here?"

"I'm on my way to Washington to see Mister Lincoln." Levi's eyes widened and he bows and takes off his tattered hat.

"Pardon me, but I had no idea you were of such high importance, Madame." Cora laughed.

"No, I am but a simpleton like yourself. I merely want to meet with him to discuss bringing unity back to the States and helping some color folks out." Levi returns his hat to his head, but continues to show respect for Cora.

"Well, then do you have a place to retire tonight?" Cora shook head.

"No, I do not. I know nothing of this place or any where to go..."

"Then by all means, please stay with me and my brothers tonight."

"I shall. Thank you!"

"It is the least I can do." Levi looked around. "Now where did those lil' muggin's git off to?" Cora smiled but covered her lips. "They always seem to disappear whene'er I want'em for somethin'."