A shrill train whistle was heard in the distance and I hastened to gather my few belongings together. I glanced around the busy station, a dejected expression inscribed across my weary face. In all this rush of humanity, no one seemed to care about or notice anyone but themselves.
A plump middle-aged woman bumped roughly against me in a hurry, followed by an unsavoury specimen of what appeared to be her husband. A dejected child sat dolefully, hoping that perhaps amidst the deafening throng there might be some kind heart who might offer her a morsel for her tea. I offered her a compassionate smile, wishing again and again that I had more to offer such as her. But then, I was quickly reminded, I was not in a much better situation than she.
Life hadn't dealt well with me, leaving me motherless at an unsuitably young age and I might as well have been fatherless, for all Seth Whitby cared to do was to drink and gamble down at the filthy village saloon. For years I had tried to flee from my unhappy life, but I had had nowhere to go. However, when the inquiry came for a position as a governess, I had enthusiastically complied. And that was where I was headed.
I hurried toward the train and drew a deep breath as I stepped aboard. Here began my new life, whether I was prepared for it or not.
I slumped against the window of the carriage and drew out my journal. I planned to keep an intimate record of my every step on this frightening yet somehow releasing journey. Never had I had any need to remember my mundane little life, but now, I felt like an eagle being released from a greatly restricted cage, free to make my own choices, to spread my wings and soar.
My reverie was broken by the unmistakably sharp and quivering voice of the elderly lady who was seated next to me.
"I hope you are an agreeable young woman to travel with for if otherwise I will find my delicate nerves much destroyed. Please make sure that the window remains shut at all times or we shall both be black with soot and shall most certainly catch a cold. And, please, make as little noise as is possible. I have been much disturbed today and anything at all overwhelming will assuredly set me back for the next month! Am I clear?"
"Yes ma'am," I replied absentmindedly and resumed my meditations.
Whatever lay ahead, I was sure, would be much better than what lay behind.