Chapter Two

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Dear December

Chapter two

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December wiped the tears from her eyes Penelope hugged her tightly "I'm going to miss you. You've been like a daughter to me and to Phoebe, you made her life so happy Dee! I'll always love you!"

December hugged Penelope back. She smiled at the older woman, all her memories where of Phoebe and Penelope, the Ritter sisters had raised her in the Ramsey Orphanage.

"I love you too Penelope."

"Don't forget to write" Penelope said wiping her eyes and handing her a beautiful pink reticule "and here, its money that Phoebe and I saved back for you. And also in your carpet bag is her beloved cameo our mother gave her. That can be your something blue when you marry George."

"Thank you Penny!" December said with a smile knowing the nickname that she used to call her would make Penelope smile "I won't forget to write... pray for me and George."

Before Penelope could respond the train conductor yelled loudly "All Aboard!" 

She picked up her carpet bag and held tight to her reticule "Thank you for everything!" December called before boarding the large black locomotive.

December waved from the window as the train started up. The loudness of the thing scared her; she was used to noise having been raised in a home where sometimes as many as fifty children lived. But it was nothing in comparison with this loud beast. Its horn sounded in a loud "Toot, Toot" noise as the locomotive took off, slowly leaving Boston behind.

She let the tears fall as she watched the buildings go by.  The loud clink clink clink of the train wheels became as a lullaby as She drifted to sleep.

~~

After days and days on the train December was relieved when the train conductor called her stop she looked at her once new travel dress, it was covered with smoke and dirt from the days aboard the locomotive.

December got off the train, her heart racing as she searched the station for George Wade she had no idea what he looked like but there was no man that matched his description. She went towards the man behind the counter

"Excuse me sir? Will you please tell me where I can find Mr. Wade?"

The man frowned slightly then pointed to the building not far from them

"Thank you sir." she said as she quickly fixed her hair and place the hat back on. She took a deep breath and went towards the building that the man had pointed to.

She opened the door when load piano music assaulted her ears A Saloon? What would George be doing in a saloon?

The saloon was full of only men. Not even saloon girls were in sight. She looked at the man behind the counter he had long blond hair that was curly, he would seem handsome to most, but December didn't want anything to do with a man who worked in a saloon.

 "May I help you Ma'am?" He asked "Seems you could use a drink."

Choosing to ignore that comment December replied "I was looking for Mr. Wade."

The man seemed surprised "You're looking at him, what can I do for you?"

"You're Mr. Wade?" she asked in shock

"As you live and breathe." the man said with a cocky smile

"B-but you're not a sheriff...are you?" December asked quietly

"Oh you're thinking of my brother Georgie." The man said with a laugh

December sighed a sigh of relief "Can you take me to him?" she asked

"Sure. Paul watch the bar." He called to a worker as he took off his apron "Ma'am" he said offering his arm.

December reluctantly took it she wondered how these two men could be brothers the man led her to the small church but instead of going in he led her to the graves next to it stopping at a large stone marker that read

George Edgar Wade

1852-1874

"He's... he's dead?" December asked shocked

"Died about three weeks ago" he told her "Some outlaw stabbed him. He lost too much blood to survive."

"What... What am I supposed to do now?" she asked more to herself then the man who stood next to her.

"I'm sorry who did you say you were?" The man asked her

"I'm December Knight; I was to marry your brother today."

"You could marry me."

"I would Never!" she snapped

"You could be a Saloon girl." He said with amusement in his eyes.

"Why you... you Snake!" she glared her eyes smoldering

"Well Miss there's not much more to do in this town."

"There must be something." She said crossing her arms

"Nope... there's a church, the Rev is married. There's a general store, Old man Murray runs that, you could marry him... and the saloon I own that and I'm Mr. Wade so it's not that different then my brother."

"What about ranchers, I'm sure anyone but you could use a wife."

"I wouldn't want any of the ranchers around here... it's a mighty rough town miss. Maybe you could just go back to where you're from."

"No-I can't."

"Then you have little Choices, ma'am."

"Where is the boarding house?" December asked looking around the town

"Don't got one."

"Well...How about apartments or houses for rent?"

"Don't got those either."

"Look Mr. Wade I don't know what your problem is-"

"My names Daniel" he cut in

"But you've been of no help! I can't believe you're the brother of George Wade!" she said marching towards the church.

"Better believe it Miss, there's a lot you didn't know about Georgie!" He yelled back

December walked into the small building she dropped her Carpet bag at the door only to have all eyes on her. She cleared her throat "Hello" she said "I was just wondering where I could find the reverend and his wife..."

"Are you here to be the new school teacher?" The older woman asked with a warm smile.

"We'll no, but I have a lot of experience in teaching children." December said hopeful

"Oh good!" the older woman said "I'm Mrs. Farley the Reverends wife."

"I'm Miss Knight."

~~ ~~

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