Distant Dreams (40 page)

“Often enough to cause a serious economic problem, not to mention the other obvious problems. A great deal of the expense in running a railroad is neither new equipment nor expanding the line. It’s simple maintenance and upkeep of what we already have. This snakehead is typical of what strap iron will do if given enough time. The T-rails are much more reliable, but there’s a tremendous expense in replacing the strap iron with it. The lines between Baltimore and Harper’s Ferry are all strap iron. The company can’t possibly afford to replace the rail and expand past Harper’s Ferry at the same time.”

“I suppose there’s little to be gained in dragging the line westward to Cumberland if you can’t get the goods shipped east of Harper’s because of snakeheads.”

“Exactly,” James agreed, momentarily distracted from his more personal dilemma. “But the charters, stockholders’ agreements, and stacks of paperwork enough to fuel this train point west and demand the expansion. We were to have reached the Ohio by now, but as you can see, that simply isn’t going to happen—at least not soon enough to appease investors.”

“But the matter is still one of good judgment. These sections of damaged track need to be maintained and repaired. The money spent in replacing damaged rail would surely be the most economical way to handle the matter.”

“I would think so too, but Thomas and the board members’ hands are tied. All they appear to see and hear is the constant harangue of government officials and private stockholders to create a return on their investment. So far, that isn’t happening. In fact, there is still money due to be collected from the investors on that which they pledged in reserving subscriptions. But the financial affairs of this country are beginning to show a severe decline, and no one is much induced to part with what capital he has.”

Joseph sighed. “Well, none of that helps us now, does it? What are we to do about our present predicament?” Joseph asked, nodding toward the snakehead.

“We’ll have to go back,” James replied.

“Can’t it be repaired?” Carolina asked in a voice so hopeful James wished he could do anything to please her. Anything but what she really wanted.

“It would take too much time,” he said.

The engineer came up beside them. “We’ve got some tools and such aboard and some crew members I was taking up to the work camp. If you’re willing for a couple hours delay—”

“No!” said James sharply. “I won’t risk our passengers.”

“Risk—?”

“It’s out of the question,” said James flatly.

Walking back to their car, James tried to listen as Joseph struck up once more the conversation about railroad economics, but James’ mind was far more aware of Carolina’s stilted silence. As Joseph handed her up into the car, James watched her graceful movements and reserved manner. What a mature woman she sometimes appeared. Yet the slight pout on her face also resembled a petulant child. He knew she was terribly disappointed by the announcement that they would return to Baltimore, and feeling guilty, he hurried with a suggestion to ease her suffering.

“When we return, I would be very happy to tour you both around the Mt. Clare shops. There is a great deal happening there, and you would be very welcome to explore and learn about the operation.” He noted the spark of interest in Carolina’s eyes and continued. “There are designs in progress for new engines, and I can take you to the offices and show you drawings of those designs and maps of the various routes we are considering for the westward expansion of the line.”

“That sounds good,” Joseph answered for them both. “I believe Carolina would find it of great interest.”

James turned to her. “I’m sorry this hasn’t worked out as planned, but I promise you a most informative time.”

“I suppose if that’s all that can be done.” Her tone was cool.

“Carolina,” said Joseph with just a touch of rebuke in his voice, “we must make the most of the situation.”

“Yes, Father.” She paused, then added, “I’m sure I would find the shops and surveys of interest, and I’m certain I will continue to enjoy my stay in Baltimore.” James knew her words were for her father’s benefit, not his.

“That’s the spirit!” Joseph declared. “Spoken like a true Adams.”

Carolina smiled tentatively, then turned to look out the window. “How will they do it?”

“Do what, my dear?” Joseph questioned.

“How will we get back to Baltimore? Will they turn the train around?”

Joseph looked to James, who would have rather the entire matter just go away. “The engine will go in reverse. They’ll simply push us back to Baltimore instead of pulling us. There’s only a few cars attached, and it will be a much slower process with men both working from the engine and on the ground. No one wants to run into another snakehead without warning.”

“How will they make it go backwards?” Carolina prodded, her gaze fixed firmly on James.

He shifted uncomfortably but tried to sound at ease. “There’s a single-eccentric valve gear that allows for the steam to enter into the cylinder in the opposite way. The gear is reversed by moving the eccentrics along the axle so it can engage the reverse pin that is attached to a plate mounted on the axle. By doing this, steam enters the cylinder in the reverse manner from the way it had during the forward motion. Understand?”

Carolina’s forehead was furrowed in concentration.

“It’s all quite fascinating,” she said, turning back to the window. “Maybe not near as fascinating as watching the crew repair the rail. . . .” Her words faded, leaving her attitude to become a wall between them.

Opening his mouth to make some statement that might vindicate his decision, James just as quickly decided against speaking. Easing back into his own corner, he too fell into a moody silence.

“Miss Adams, I am so very sorry that your trip west was prematurely canceled.” Philip Thomas, dressed for business and looking better than he had the day before, greeted them upon their return to his home. “I would very much like to make it up to you both.” He went to a mahogany rolltop desk and retrieved two tickets. “I have tickets to a concert at the First Presbyterian Church. It’s to be a choral presentation and one in which I’m certain you would take pleasure.”

Joseph smiled. “I’m certain Carolina would enjoy it. As for myself, I would more greatly appreciate a visit with you. There are some things that have come to mind regarding the westward line, and I would like to share them with you.”

Philip nodded his consent, then turned to James. “Would it be too much of an imposition, Mr. Baldwin, to request you to attend with Miss Adams?”

James glanced at Carolina but received no indication from her as to her feelings on the matter. “I would be most happy to—if Miss Adams has no objections.”

“I’m sure I shouldn’t take up your time, Mr. Baldwin.” Her words were forced. “You have already been too kind.”

“My evening is completely free and at your disposal. What time is the concert?” he asked Thomas.

Philip handed him the tickets. “Six o’clock sharp.” A rumbling sound came from outside, causing all heads to turn to the window.

“You should allow yourself extra time in case the storm hasn’t passed by then. It looks as though God intervened so that you would not have to be out in such harsh weather, Miss Adams.”

Carolina only nodded soberly.

“I’ll be back to escort you at five-thirty.” James put the tickets in his vest pocket and took his leave.

44

Uncomfortable Questions

Carolina knew it was childish to be angry at James for the cancellation of their trip. But it seemed to her he hadn’t even tried to deal with the problem. The engineer had seemed quite positive about making repairs. Surely James must have known how much the trip meant to her. He could have at least attempted to do something about the snakehead. She didn’t understand his insensitivity at all.

And now she was going to have to spend the evening with him. She had only accepted because she knew it would have upset her father if she had stayed at home sulking. But she dreaded the prospect of the awkward evening ahead, and she feared she would certainly vent her ire to James about the trip. But even more, she feared exposing other far more sensitive feelings. Of course, since he was engaged to Virginia, no one thought anything of permitting them to go out unchaperoned. Ironically, James
was
the chaperon!

But down deep Carolina wondered if she had so easily accepted the invitation to the concert because she longed to be with James. This one time she could pretend James was truly her escort and that his interest would be on her and not on her fairer sister. That thought almost made her forget her anger over the aborted trip.

The white muslin gown she’d chosen for its lightweight coolness was elegant yet simple. The neck was softly rounded and modest, with handmade Irish lace offering a dainty trim. The sleeves were soft and pouffed, and the skirt, not quite as full and heavy as most, was trimmed with a single ruffle of muslin along the bottom hem of the gown. A pale pink ribbon tied around the waist was the only color against the stark white. Carolina’s dark hair was washed and shining to perfection. But after an hour of curling and struggling alone to pin it into a fashionable style, she wished she had heeded her mother’s suggestion to take Miriam along on the trip. But Miriam answered to Margaret and would have brought back tales of all Carolina’s activities, thus greatly limiting her freedom. In the end, however, she finally managed to make herself presentable. A capote-style bonnet of starched muslin completed her coiffure.

The housekeeper had just knocked on the door to announce Mr. Baldwin’s arrival as Carolina took up her shawl and handbag. Nervously, she descended the stairs and wondered what the evening might bring. James met her at the bottom of the stairs, handsomely attired in a dark wine-colored tailcoat. His trousers were black and fastened
sous pieds
with the leg secured under the foot, a style that was quite popular.

“Good evening,” he said, making a sweeping bow and taking her hand to his lips.

Carolina felt her face go flush. “Good evening.”

“Might I say,” James said quite formally, “you look radiantly lovely.”

“Thank you,” she murmured and uncomfortably took back her hand. “Is it still raining?”

“Not to speak of. The sky is quite overcast and very gloomy, but a parasol and closed carriage will suit us nicely. I refuse to have more plans ruined by such a small detail.” His lips quirked into a hesitant smile, and she sensed how bad he felt about the trip.

“Ah, there you are. My, don’t you look beautiful,” Joseph said upon entering the room. “I do hope this evening proves entertaining. Philip and I will discuss business here, and I have instructed young James to accompany you to dinner after the concert. If that meets with your approval, Carolina.”

James and Joseph both waited for her to assure them that it did meet with her approval, but Carolina found it difficult to speak. She realized how silly her illusions were about the evening. James was merely following her father’s instructions. “I wouldn’t . . . I mean,” she stammered, “we shouldn’t impose further upon James’ free time. After all, he’s already been good enough to escort me to the choral presentation.”

“And I will happily escort you to dinner as well. I know of a place near my uncle’s home, and the food is quite delectable.”

“See there?” Joseph said, coming forward to give her a parting kiss on the cheek. “The matter is clearly settled, and you needn’t have worried about interfering with James’ evening. Besides, he no doubt pines for your sister, and at least you can offer him companionship.”

Carolina felt her throat constrict at these words but pretended to be unaffected. She merely nodded and allowed James to lead her to the door. Once there, James accepted his top hat and umbrella from the butler and assisted Carolina with her shawl.

The skies were dreary and heavy in their low-hanging blanket of gray. The rain that had deluged the countryside earlier in the day had ceased, but the dark sky was threatening. Twilight was snuffing out what little light the day was offering, and the entire city was a system of shadows and darkened alleyways.

They made their way to the church in silence. Carolina was uncertain what could possibly be said that wouldn’t bring her more pain and confusion. Her father’s words, given in innocent suggestion, had wounded her deeply, and she desired nothing more than to forget them, though that was quite impossible.

As their carriage pulled up from the side of the church, Carolina could make out the cemetery. Shuddering at the haunting stones, lone sentinels standing vigil over their long-departed owners, Carolina felt her skin prickle. The haunted dreariness, however, suited her mood.

James paused at the foot of the carriage and offered his hand up to her, but Carolina hesitated to take it. Something in the dusky light moved, causing her to strain her eyes toward the shadows. She might have alighted and entered the church without ever seeing the man there, but James was at that moment hailed by a roly-poly man with a balding head and bulbous nose.

“Uncle Samuel,” James said, turning to introduce Carolina as her foot touched the ground. “This is my uncle, Samuel Baldwin. Uncle, may I present Miss Carolina Adams, my fiancée’s sister.”

Carolina curtsied and acknowledged the man, grateful that his attention was on James and not on her.

“James, what good fortune it is to encounter you here. There is someone I’d like you to meet, if you have a moment.”

“Carolina . . . ?”

“I’ll be fine, James.”

“Let me escort you to our seats, at least.”

“I rather like the fresh air after the rain.”

“All right. I’ll only be a moment.”

The words faded from her ears as Carolina took several steps away. Turning, she noticed the man was still there in the cemetery. He was tall, almost willowy, and clad completely in black. The latter made it difficult to distinguish him from the rapidly falling darkness. He stood beside a grave, head bowed, his face in his hands and shoulders heaving as though he was crying. Unmindful of James and his uncle, Carolina’s curiosity drew her toward the churchyard.