Starry eyed Lily

The Feast

Months had flown by and still no sign of Ms. Anna returned to school. The warm summer breezes soon turned into cool crisp air; the leaves were changing color, turning Redwater into a beautiful, picturesque place. A place where some would dream of such beauty. It was time to start planning the town thanksgiving meal, Lily thought. The town hotel would open its doors for everyone in the community to gather and give thanks for everything they were thankful for.

After class was over, Lily rushed over to the hotel where the other town folk and her family were waiting. It was not only the meal everyone needed to plan for, it was also time to prepare for winter. The neighbors were always helping each other out, no matter the problem. After the males went over their plans for the winter months, it was time for the women to put plans in motion for the Thanksgiving meal. We will have a barn dance for all the families to come and join “said Abigail”. Each family will bring a dish for the feast. This will be so much fun “responded Lily”.

The doorbell jingled for the general store, in walked three ladies. You guys are late “responded Abigail,” you were to be here at noon. We are terribly sorry, said one of the ladies; the boutique has a cute new dress we could not take our eyes off. Ladies, this is Lily. She is the niece of Miss Hadley. She is also going to help us set up our Thanksgiving barn feast. Nice to meet you Lily, I am Elizabeth, this is Jane and Catherine. Nice to meet you all “replied Lily”.

After all the plans were set for the feast, it was time to go meet with the families attending to plan out what each family would bring. Apple pie, said one family, pumpkin pie, said another. It started getting later in the evening to travel by horse, so Abigail invited Lily to stay until morning. While combing through her hair, Lily pondered what it would be like to live in town instead of out on a farm. Lily soon drifted to sleep, dreaming of a life of being a more permanent teacher. The next morning, she awoke to the smell of coffee brewing. Today we decide what to wear to the dance “said Abigail”. Lily responded with" I have nothing to wear." Well, we will change that today."

Lily soon found herself standing in the boutique staring at the beautiful dress she had once dreamed of wearing for her husband. Abigail saw how much she wanted that dress and bought it for Lily as a welcome gift for everything she had helped do for the feast. Lily went back home with the dress to show her family. She explained how she got it as a gift for the upcoming festivities. It soon became the night of the feast and the entire town came together for the big family feast. William rode into Redwater to attend to some railroad business. While looking for the Mayor of Redwater, he ran into

Josiah and Penny, please join us for The Town Feast. I would love to, he responded.

All the single ladies could not take their eyes off William, so tall and handsome, but he only made eye contact with one, Lily! When Lily saw him coming to, her heart started to flutter like it had never done before. Can I have this dance, Miss. Lily, “he asked?” She could feel the entire room watching as they danced across the floor, she felt like such a princess. Did you find your family, Mr. Dandridge? I did find my brother Samuel and his wife, but the others had passed from smallpox. Oh, I am so sorry to hear that she replied.

I now work for the Union Pacific Railroad and have come to Redwater for official business with the Mayor on the subject. How fascinating “replied Lily” How long will you be in town? Just a few days “replied William”. Tell me about you dear. Have you married yet? No, I have not married yet. I seem to be one of the few ladies in this town still not taken. What about yourself, Mr. Dandridge? Wife and kids? No, I have not had the time to look at the railroad life that keeps me going.

I have been working as a teacher with the kids here. Our teacher, Ms. Anna had to take a long leave of absence, so I have filled in until she returns. I would really like to continue working with the kids. I am considering teaching as a profession and, just by helping, I have learned and enjoyed every minute of teaching. That is great Lily, replied William. It is starting to get late.

I would like to talk with your father some more. Would you care if I carried you home after the feast? Why yes Mr. Dandridge that would be simply fine. On the ride home Lily could not help but blush. She had never been alone with another man before. How is that pup? “William asked to help break the ice.” I named her Sadie. She followed us the entire trip here. We are home “replied Lily”. Let me help you down from the carriage “,William responded”. As he grabbed her hand, he gently bent down and kissed her hand," Thank you Mr. Dandridge “said Lily,” Please call me William. Ok. “she responded.”

William followed Lily inside to the main room where her father was sitting. As William and Josiah discussed the railroad business, Lily went to help her mother with evening chores. It is late; you’re welcome to stay the night and we will head out at dawn to meet with the Mayor. As William tried to sleep, his mind kept racing with railroad business, leaving him pacing the floors to collect his thoughts.

The men headed out as the sun began to rise. You look like you did not sleep at all, William “said Josiah,” after the war it has robbed me of my days of sleep. I suppose that is how I have been successful with the railroad.

After arriving at the Mayor's home, the men sat and discussed all the Pros and Cons it would have for the Community to have the railroad come through town. The mayor agreed that having the railroad come through would be a great asset to the town. Then the men then traveled back to town and celebrated with the great news of the railroad coming. William soon had to leave but wanted to see Lily again before going away. I will be going back to Cheyenne for a bit but would like to write to you while I am there.

I would like that very much, William. While out walking they came upon a small fishing dock, bringing back memories of William and his brother fishing. Do you fish, William? Asked Lily? Yes, I have been known to fish a little bit. My brother and I got caught skipping school when we were younger, and we could not sit for a week. Father was not excited about the fact of us missing school if we could help it. I now understand how important it was to him.

As we got older, we had less schooling and more chores and took on the role of helping more on the farm. Soon the war started, and I, of course, left at the first chance I could, so that my parents did not have to lose my younger brother. He was able to stay home and help with chores and farming. We raised several different crops and would take them to market when it was time to harvest. To hear in a letter about the farm being destroyed while in the war was truly devastating. It took me to go to see it for myself.

After leaving the homestead, I did not know where to go. I wanted to find my family. I was almost broke and needed a job. That is how I began work with the Railroad Company. I knew that with traveling I could have a better chance of finding Samuel and my parents. It took over a year but they finally found him and his wife Millie. They have a beautiful family; a girl and a boy. I hope to visit them again soon and get to know everyone. We must return home. I must prepare my lessons for tomorrow.

I will return soon as the railroad will be coming through Redwater and I would like to see you again. Lily, blushing, shook her head. Yes, yes, I would like that too, “she replied. He gently grabbed her hand and kissed it, then jumped onto his horse and rode off. I see the way you look at him “said Penny.” Why mama, whatever do you mean? “Lily responded,” You are falling in love with him, aren’t you? “Penny asked”. Blushing, Lily could not respond. She had never felt those feelings before.

No Mama! But it is nice to have someone to chat with. There are not many gentlemen callers coming my way. I understand dear, now let’s go and help Shelby and Hadley with supper. After eating, Lily sat down with Luke to help him with his work. He was still a little bit young to go to school, but Lily needed the extra practice for when she was teaching the class. Soon everyone was off to bed. Lily decided to start writing William before falling fast asleep.

Soon before she knew it, she had fallen asleep. When woken the next morning, she thought the last few days had just been a dream. Arriving at school, she began teaching her lessons she had prepared, but in the back of her mind she still couldn’t stop thinking of William. She began to day-dream and her students started chanting “Ms. Lily is in love”. Lily began to blush and sent the students out for an early recess. She sat down at her desk and began writing her letter to William.

Dear William, the last few days with you have been nothing but perfect. My life feels as if it was all a dream, I feel as if I am floating on the clouds. The town's folk are overly excited at the news of the railroad coming to town. There is news of a few new beginnings coming to Redwater. I never would have imagined that the stranger she met on the trails with her family would be the man to come back into her life and bring some many new things to their town. I must go for now. I do hope this letter finds you well. I cannot wait to hear from you soon.

Lily

As Lily finished her letter it was time to get back to teaching. Going to the door to ring her school bell, all the students came in and were seated. Now, students, let’s finish our lessons for the day. Everyone did such a great job on doing their part in the play. I could not be prouder of each of you. As the class started to end, Lily began telling all the kids that she would be seeing them tomorrow and began to ring the dismissal bell.

As Lily walked through town she met up with Hadley and Luke. Hi Luke, how are you today? Lily asked? I am doing OK. Would you like to go for a walk down by the pond with me Luke, asked Lily? Yes, ma’am, I would like a walk. First, I need to go send this letter, then we can begin our walk. After leaving the store, they headed down the path to the little town pond. Lily couldn’t help but think of her talk a few days earlier with William. My Ma received word from my dad, Luke, who mentioned it. He will be joining us very soon, so she is trying to figure out where we are going to go.

I am sure we have some room for your dad until things can get sorted. We can always use the help on the farm. The farm has been doing so well lately. A few weeks later, a man rode a horse to the Pullman farm. Can I help you sir, asked Hadley? Yes, ma’am, my name is Caleb. I have been told my son and wife live here with you folks. Ah, yes, of course, we have been expecting you. Just go ahead and put your horse in the barn and then make your way into the house.

After settling the horse in, he went toward the house. Standing at the door was his wife, Shelby. She couldn’t hold all of the excitement in, with tears streaming down her face and smiling, she was in shock that he had finally made it. She had not seen Caleb for such a long time. It did not feel real at all. Where is this son of mine? He would be home soon. He liked to help Josiah with the farm work. He has learned so much from him. As it started to get dark, supper had been prepared by Hadley and everyone joined around the table to eat.

Luke heard his dad talking in the kitchen. He ran straight into his arms, almost knocking him to the floor. Hey son, you have grown a mile since I last saw you. Are you here for good Pa? asked Luke. Yes, son, there is nowhere else that I would rather be. I have counted the days that I could come and be with you and your Ma. After settling down to eat, Caleb handed a letter to Lily. It was from William.

After eating, Lily sat down next to the fire and began reading her letter. Dear Lily, she began to read. It was such a pleasure spending time with you while I was in town too. I hope I was not too boring. I can go on and on once I get started talking about things. We plan to be in that area sooner than expected.

We will be finishing up in Wyoming very soon and the railroad company will be moved to your area. It has only been a few short weeks, but it feels like eternity. I cannot wait to be with you soon. Yours Truly, William.

Finishing the letter, Lily laid it against her chest and gently rocked the chair. She then got up and went into her room. As Lily went to bed she couldn’t help but wonder what it was like to travel on the railroad. She soon drifted fast asleep. Shelby and Caleb began to make plans for their family. Josiah walked in with more firewood, overhearing their plans. You and your family are welcome to stay here for a while. We can always use the help on the farm.

In the coming months, the railroad will be moving through town and you may be able to pick up some work with them. As Caleb and Shelby thanked Josiah for his generosity, they soon went to bed. The next morning, everyone was up and ready for the day. Lily headed to the schoolhouse to prepare for school. Caleb went out with Josiah to learn the ropes of the farm. As they were ending the tour of the farm, Josiah and Caleb went to an old cabin at the end of the farm. My brother built this cabin when he first began the farm. I think it would be a great place for you and your family.

Not knowing what to say, Caleb began to walk to the old cabin to see what kind of work it would need. Luckily, it was still in perfect condition, it was flawless. Thank you, Caleb replied. I do not know what to say. With that, the men headed back to the fields to begin the evening chores. Shelby went out to let everyone know supper was ready. Caleb could barely contain his excitement and rushed over to Shelby. I have something to show you after dinner. It’s a surprise. I do hope you are up for it.

Lily and Hadley began putting away all the dishes as Caleb and Shelby headed out the door, so where are we going, asked Shelby. While out with Josiah today, he showed me a cabin on the property his brother had built. He offered it to us as a place to live. That is the most amazing news I have heard in a while. When can we move in? Right away, Caleb replied. Returning home, Shelby tells Penny and Hadley the wonderful news. We will help you get everything cleaned up and ready to move in. I am so glad you will be staying close by Shelby because I do not know what I would do now without you around. The women had become such great friends they didn’t want to part with one another.