On the Right Track: A Historical Romance

By Carol Voelkel

Matthew Gallagher is a train conductor extraordinaire. He travels about the country, escaping from one life and relocating to another on a daily basis, a status he prefers, with no roots to tie him down. Neddie Anderson is a country girl who has never left her hometown, but that doesnt keep her from dreaming that shell one day own her own restaurant in the big city where she can whip up her delectable desserts with recipes passed down from her beloved grandmother. When Matthew rescues Neddie from a local rogue and is subsequently forced to marry her, Neddie, in turn, rescues his heart. Has God purposely derailed Matthew from his life of freedom? Or has he placed him on the right track, guiding him toward a future that includes Neddie as his new bride? God only knows . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781532022449

Carol Voelkel

Carol Voelkel, a native Texan, is an equal mix of city and country. Her career as a health insurance executive keeps her busy in the city, but her heart is in the country, where she enjoys life on the farm with her husband, cows and their sweet puppy, Baylee. She’s passionate about her Catholic faith and cherishes the time she spends with her two grown sons and a close-knit circle of family and friends.

Book preview

ON THE

RIGHT

TRACK

A Historical Romance

CAROL VOELKEL

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ON THE RIGHT TRACK

A HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Copyright © 2017 Carol Voelkel.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Cover photos provided courtesy of Ronnie Voelkel.

ISBN: 978-1-5320-2243-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-2245-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-2244-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017906104

iUniverse rev. date: 05/04/2017

CONTENTS

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty-Six

Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Eight

Twenty-Nine

Thirty

Thirty-One

Thirty-Two

Thirty-Three

Thirty-Four

Thirty-Five

Thirty-Six

Thirty-Seven

Thirty-Eight

Thirty-Nine

Forty

Forty-One

Author’s Note

Other Books by Carol Voelkel

The Painted Church of Texas Series:

Random Act of Love

Final Act of Redemption

To Daddy and Morris…

love you both with all my heart!

And…

To Esther Prieto, the kind of best

friend that most people only dream

of. You inspire me, each and every day, to be the person God truly wants me to be.

Thank you for being my forever angel…

ON THE

RIGHT TRACK

One

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

—Proverbs 3:5–6

June, 1895

Neddie Mae Anderson was hopping mad.

Her chance to catch a glimpse of the train was about to be dashed—and all because of an impish rogue who wanted to steal a few coins. The boy had appeared out of nowhere, smacked her to the ground, and then tumbled on top of her, knocking the wind right out of her. She gasped for breath as a train whistle blew in the distance.

Get off of me, you little scoundrel. She pushed at him with a gloved hand, and a puff of dust found its way into her eyes, blinding her.

Give me your money, lady, and I’ll let you go.

I’ll do no such thing. Still on her backside, Neddie shoved at his shoulder, sinking her fingers deep into his arm.

Come on, lady. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be. He reached for the drawstring handbag at her waist and gave it a little jerk, but it didn’t quite give way.

Neddie pummeled her hands against his chest, hoping to propel him backward, but his fingers caught the fabric of her dress and tore a gaping hole in the front of her single ruffled petticoat. How dare you!

The boy gave the purse one last jerk and scrambled to his feet in victory. Sorry about your dress. He sprinted away, his legs pumping hard as he rushed down the street, leaving Neddie behind coughing up dirt.

She tried to stand, but her ankle throbbed in pain. She glanced toward the cotton gin where the farmers were lined up with their trailers to deliver their cotton, her father included. The rest of the townsfolk were at the depot, awaiting the train’s arrival.

The situation appeared impossible. She had no choice but to concede victory. But that didn’t keep her from making a scene. She opened her mouth and wailed out a howl, so deafening and shrill, that one might have thought she’d been stabbed half to death.

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Conductor Matthew Gallagher rounded the bend, his ears attuned to the familiar train whistle that would announce his arrival in the small town of Schulenburg, Texas. Seconds later, the locomotive pulled into the Southern Pacific Depot, trembling and rocking, and Matthew waved to the crowd that had gathered on the wooden platform.

He sighed deeply.

It had been a long day, and he was anxious for a hot meal, a clean shave, and few hours of sleep, in that order. A quick stop at the dance hall might be on his agenda as well, although an hour reading the latest medical journal he’d purchased might be time better spent.

Nevertheless, he was free to do as he pleased. He whistled a tune as he stepped off the train, carrying his overnight bag, and headed toward the Southern Pacific Hotel, his designated home for the night. He chatted briefly with John Ammann, the operator at the ticket booth, before continuing his short trek to the hotel. He’d just opened the door to the lobby when he heard a blood-curdling scream pierce the air.

He went very still and glanced around. Folks were busy greeting their families and friends who’d arrived on the train, so he dropped his luggage and rushed toward the vacant street, where he saw a young woman lying on the ground, her face smudged with dirt and her dress torn right down the front. Farther down the street, a young man was running, full steam ahead.

Matthew dropped to his knees next to the young lady. Are you okay, Miss?

I twisted my ankle. Her eyes watered when she tried to stand up.

Here, let me help you. Matthew reached his hand toward her.

No. Please. The girl pointed down the street. He stole my money.

Matthew took off after the lad, his long legs and athletic build making him a worthy opponent for the younger man. When Matthew caught him, they fell to the ground, rolling over dirt and rock.

I think you have something that belongs to the lady. Matthew’s chest heaved as he pinned the boy down.

Get lost, mister.

The boy struggled and Matthew could feel a layer of pebbled rocks shift beneath them. I’m not letting you up until you hand the money over.

I ain’t giving it to you.

Then I guess I’ll have to take it, just like you did. Matthew used one hand to pin the lad’s hands above his head while he held his chest secure with his knees. He used his free hand to reach inside the front pocket of the boy’s trousers, where he removed a few coins. Is this it?

Please, mister. I need that money.

Then get a job and earn it. Matthew pushed off him and stood, dusting sand from his pants.

You don’t understand. The boy rose slowly, dropping the lady’s purse to the ground. My ma is sick and we don’t have no food, and my pa, well, he spends all his money at the Sunny South Saloon. Please, mister, we need milk and bread and …

Matthew peered at the boy, not yet in his teens, uncertain if the tears staining his face were manufactured or real. The shirt he wore was stained and ripped in several places and his jeans were at least two sizes too small. His straight, blond hair fell into his eyes, and judging by the amount of dirt under his fingernails, he could use a bath.

What’s your name, kid?

Daniel. He paused. Daniel Fuller.

All right, Daniel, I’ll tell you what … Matthew picked up his billed cap and dusted it off before placing it back on his head. If you’ll meet me at the train depot this same time next Friday, I’ll have a job for you to do. Matthew handed over the coins. Consider this a loan.

The boy took the money, and after stuffing it in his pocket, he extended his hand. You’ve got a deal, mister.

Matthew shook the boy’s hand and watched as he rushed back into town and disappeared around a corner.

That was a mighty kind thing to do—but not at my expense.

Matthew whirled at the feminine voice and came face-to-face with the lass he’d left lying on the ground. She wasn’t a tiny woman by any means, but his six-foot frame still towered over her by at least six inches. Her ivory complexion was complemented by rosy cheeks, and her eyes were so blue they made his breath catch and his heart turn over. She watched him with interest as he took his time looking her over.

I’ll probably never see him again. Matthew tossed a look over his shoulder. But if he’s telling the truth, he’s just a poor lad, trying to help his ma. He reached into his pocket and pulled out some coins. Here you go. He handed them across to her.

Oh no. The young lady shook her head. I can’t take your money.

Of course you can. He placed it in her hand. It wasn’t much.

The woman closed her hand over the coins before she bent down to pick up her discarded purse lying on the ground. It might not be much to you, but it’s a week’s pay I earned washing dishes at the Kainer Café. She slapped the dirt from her bag before reattaching it around her waist and dropping the money inside. Thank you, by the way."

My pleasure, ma’am.

I’ve seen you before at the train station—but you’re much younger than I thought you were. Her cheeks went wild with color.

Grinning, Matthew leaned back to study her face. I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not.

It’s a compliment. She smiled at him and dimples creased her cheeks. I’ve been seeing you around the station for the past few years, but I’ve never seen you up close. She reached her hand across. I’m Neddie Anderson, by the way.

Matthew liked the sound of her name, so feminine and old-fashioned. He took her gloved hand into his own. Matthew Gallagher.

Yes, I know. You’re the train conductor. Everyone in town knows who you are.

You seem to know more about me than I know about you. That puts me at a disadvantage. Matthew released her hand.

Not really. Neddie smiled at him, her unblinking gaze as innocent as he’d ever seen. There’s not much to know about me.

I would disagree with that. Caught between the early summer sunshine and shade, Matthew took a step forward. In fact, I’ll tell you what I know so far.

Let’s hear it, then. Neddie’s lips curved to match the amusement in her eyes.

Well, to start with, you have a very loud voice when the occasion arises—but you appear to be soft-spoken otherwise.

True. Neddie ducked her head. The ability to yell loudly comes in handy at times, especially when I’m calling my brother and sister in for suppertime.

Matthew sized her up. You look to be, what, eighteen, maybe nineteen years old?

Nineteen.

You have eyes the color of periwinkle in bloom. You’ve got a pretty smile and— He reached his hand toward her cheek to wipe away a smudge of dirt. "You’re looking a bit untidy today, which I’ll assume is not like you."

Neddie’s eyes went wide and her smile faded. Matthew could have kicked himself when she took a step back. You’re right. Sloppiness is not an acceptable word in my family’s household. She untied the bow of her dusty bonnet and removed it from her head. While shaking it out, her hair tumbled from its bun and curled down her shoulders like scarlet drizzled with honey and amber.

Matthew’s heart pattered in his chest. She was so striking he had to blink twice to assure himself she wasn’t just a vision. "I’m not sure I’ve ever seen hair quite that … red."

It’s red, for sure. Neddie stuffed her bonnet into her pocket. In fact, my papa insists I was adopted from an Irishman down on his luck.

If that’s the case, it was a lucky day indeed for your papa.

Indeed. Neddie beamed at him. And if I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve got a bit of an Irish lilt yourself.

Aye, it does slip out occasionally, but I was born in the States. In New York.

New York? Neddie’s eyes lit up.

Matthew leaned down to swab away the dirt on the cuff on his trousers. My father is a doctor, and he wanted me to be a doctor too. But I couldn’t wait to leave the city and see the rest of the country.

That sounds exciting. I’ve never traveled more than twenty miles from home.

It’s exciting for sure. Matthew straightened. But what riding the rails has given me is freedom—and that’s all I’ve ever wanted out of life.

Well, I would love to move to a big city like New York and own a small restaurant where famous people eat. Neddie sighed. But the closest I get to the kitchen, or famous people for that matter, is when their dishes come back empty at the café and I drop them in soapy water to be cleaned.

You like to cook, huh?

Mostly I like to bake. Especially desserts. Neddie’s blue eyes sparkled. There’s something thrilling about watching people’s faces when they dive into sweets.

I’m not sure I’ve ever noticed.

Oh, I have—and you’d be surprised at the wasted food I see every day. A smile curved her lips. But people don’t often waste desserts. They eat every single bite.

Matthew’s eyebrows rose. I see.

One day, when I can afford to buy cookbooks, I’m going to memorize every dessert recipe from the front cover to the back, and God willing, I’ll someday have a chance to make them. She paused, almost as if realizing how unrealistic the dream sounded when she said it out loud. Of course at this point, my only access to cookbooks is through the Sears & Roebuck catalog.

It’s a start. Matthew’s eyes met hers. Maybe one day your dream will come true.

Maybe. Neddie’s breath came out in a sigh.

You have to think positively, and never give up. Matthew tilted his head. "The way I see it, every train eventually makes it to its final destination, even if there are some detours along the way. Hopefully God will lead you down the right track to get you where you need to be so your dreams will come true."

They stood in silence, staring at each other until Matthew looked over his shoulder, toward the train depot. Well, I left my bags unattended, so I should probably get back to them, and then check into the hotel. Why don’t you walk with me, and we can find a place to get you cleaned up.

Okay. Neddie limped forward.

Wait just a second. Matthew knelt down in front of her and began to pull up the hem of her dress when Neddie jumped backward.

What do you think you’re doing?

Two

Matthew glanced up at her. I beg your pardon? He stood and their eyes met. I wanted to make sure your ankle isn’t broken.

Oh. Neddie felt a flush of red once again stain her cheeks. But unless you’re a doctor, how could you possibly know that?

I’ve, uh—had a bit of medical training, so I sort of know what to look for.

Neddie relaxed. Okay. Then I would appreciate your opinion.

Matthew knelt in front of her a second time and pulled up the bottom of her dress, rubbing his hands gently against her skin, checking for broken bones. It doesn’t appear to be broken, but it’s swollen the size of a baseball. He stood. What kind of gentleman would I be if I let you walk on it?

Oh no. Neddie shook her head. I’m quite okay to walk.

You really shouldn’t. Matthew rocked on his heels. You should stay off of it as much as possible, and when you get home, I would suggest soaking it in cold water. He held his hands out to carry her. Are you sure you won’t let me help you?

Neddie glanced toward the line of wagons farther down the street. I do need to get cleaned up before my papa sees me. She took a tentative step forward and her eyes filled with moisture. But—

But, it’ll take you until your next birthday to get anywhere?

Neddie laughed. That would be an entire year since my birthday happens to be today.

I feel like such an old man. He grinned. My birthday was earlier this month, so that makes me eleven years older than you.

You’re definitely not old.

Well, at least I’m not so old that I can’t still help a young maiden when she’s in trouble. With very little effort, Matthew lifted her into his arms. Happy birthday, by the way.

You’ve been so kind. Neddie wrapped her arms around his neck. Thank you. She glanced away, but the image of his handsome face stayed with her. Her heartbeat tripled at being in his arms.

So, you must live pretty close by, huh?

Neddie glanced at his face, so close to hers. We live about a mile from here, in the country, but I walk to town every morning.

For your job as a dishwasher?

Yes. Neddie cast her eyes downward. Friday is the only day I don’t have to walk home because my papa comes in the afternoon. He heads to the cotton gin to drop off our cotton, and I always wait for him at the train station.

I see.

I can hardly wait each week to see who’s visiting our little town. Schulenburg has a horse racetrack, you know, and sometimes I get to see the famous horses and their owners as they arrive. We also have a casino and an opera house and—

She stopped blabbing, embarrassed at how she was going on about something he had no interest in. I’m sorry to bore you. Neddie hung her head. I’m sure you see exciting places every day of your life and our tiny town is but a smudge on the map.

I happen to like small towns. They have both blessings and curses.

That they do.

When they arrived at the entrance of the hotel, Matthew ascended the steps of the front porch and then maneuvered through the crowd of folks that were congregated, watching their approach with interest.

Isn’t that the Anderson girl?

It sure looks like her.

Wonder where her pa is?

Neddie heard the whispered comments, but didn’t panic. Yes, she was the Anderson girl, and the most handsome man their little town had ever seen was carrying her to safety. She kept her eyes cast downward, focusing on the décor of the lobby instead of them.

It had been years since she’d been there. The wooden floors, scarred from years of foot traffic, had long ago lost its shine. There were no sofas arranged in cozy groups for folks to congregate and visit, nor were there wall hangings or rugs or copper pails that held generous bouquets of fresh flowers or greenery. Instead, the room consisted of a few wooden chairs, which had seen better days, scattered next to the windows that overlooked the town, and one lonely piece of black and white artwork of a handsome cowboy, out on the range, hanging just inside the entrance of the hotel.

When Matthew arrived at the front desk, he set Neddie down next to him. Stay right here and I’m going to grab my luggage off the front porch.

We already put your luggage in your room, Mr. Gallagher—the same one you always stay in, at the top of the stairs. The clerk behind the wooden desk handed a key across to Matthew. Is there anything else you’ll need this evening?

Matthew pointed to Neddie. Well, this young lady needs a place to clean up.

The clerk’s lips curled into a displeasing frown as he assessed Neddie, from her loose hair and torn petticoat, down to her dirty, scuffed shoes. I’m afraid our facility isn’t open to folks who aren’t registered at the hotel.

Matthew leaned across the wooden counter and lowered his voice. She just needs to wash her face and hands, and pin her hair up. Matthew glanced around for the public lavatory. It should take only a few minutes.

I’m sorry, sir, but that just won’t be possible.

Is that right? Matthew leaned away from the counter and pursed his lips. Then she’ll just have to use the one in my room. Without any warning, he bent down and lifted Neddie back into his arms.

Put me down, Neddie hissed next to his ear as he walked away from the clerk. People are staring.

Let them stare. He walked across the creaky, wooden floors, toward the stairs. I can’t stand high-and-mighty people—and believe me, I see my share of them on a daily basis. His foot was at the first step of the staircase.

Please—

Stop fussing.

When he reached the top of the stairs, Matthew veered left and then lowered her to the floor before sliding the key into the door of the corner room. Then he put his hand on her waist and helped her inside. The lavatory is against the wall, over there. He closed the door behind them.

Neddie stood frozen near the entrance. I shouldn’t be here, Matthew. If my papa finds out …

Then you’ll need to hurry, won’t you?

Neddie limped forward toward the sink, glancing around the room as she made her way there. It was a small space, scarcely large enough for one person to stay in, much less two, but at least the lavatory had its own room with a separate door. The simple wood-framed bed was nothing much to speak of, and the matching nightstand and dresser were without decoration. Matthew’s presence added a splash of warm color to the pasty white walls and the bland bedspread.

When you’re done, I can wrap your ankle with a bandage, if you’d like, Matthew said behind her.

Neddie turned to look at him. Do you think it would it help?

It certainly couldn’t make it any worse. Matthew went to his overnight bag and unzipped the top. The goal is to compress the ankle and push the swelling up the leg so it doesn’t pool down in the foot.

How do you know this?

Matthew shrugged. I just do. He pulled bandaging material out of a little black bag that he kept stocked with basic emergency supplies.

You sound like Oma. She smiled and felt her face light up. I was constantly asking her how she always knew which ingredients to include when she was baking something new, and she would just grin and say, ‘I just do.’

Who is Oma?

My grandmother. Neddie shook the water from her hands before she reached for a small, white hand towel lying on the counter. She passed away recently and I sometimes feel so lost without her.

Matthew pulled a few supplies from his bag and zipped it back up. Sounds like you learned a lot from her.

I did. Neddie turned away, felt the familiar ache of losing her grandmother. But there’s still so much I need to learn.

Matthew crossed the room in just a few steps and was standing behind her. I bet you learned more than you think. He glanced at her in the small round mirror above the sink and their eyes met.

Probably. Neddie’s pulse began to race. There were a great many things her grandmother had taught her, but understanding the inner thoughts of handsome men didn’t make the list. Matthew made her want to learn more.

Here, let me help you with that. Matthew set his medical supplies on the counter and took the towel from Neddie’s shaky hands. After running a tiny bit of water to the edge, he dabbed at the dirt smudges on her cheeks. You’re lucky you didn’t get skinned up worse when you fell.

Neddie’s eyes remained focused on his and she felt certain he could see all way though to her soul. I’m even luckier you came along when you did, to help me.

Matthew smiled and no further words were spoken. After a few seconds, he dropped the towel on the counter and took Neddie’s hand, leading her toward the bed. Have a seat.

Neddie glanced at the door, felt panic once again rise in her chest. I should be going.

It won’t take long. I promise.

Neddie dropped down onto the edge of the bed with shaky knees while Matthew headed back to the basin and glanced under the counter. He returned a few seconds later with an unusually pretty bowl decorated with dark purple and peach flowers and placed it on the floor next to where she was sitting and filled it with the cool water.

Let’s put your foot in here for a while to soak.

Okay. Neddie tentatively dipped her foot inside, glad it wasn’t as cold as she thought it might be. Thank you.

Afterward, Matthew sat on the edge of the double bed next to her. So, you mentioned earlier that you were close to your grandma, but do you have other family close by?

And there began a conversation that seemed to fly by, although in reality, when Matthew reached down to remove the bowl and dry Neddie’s foot, half an hour had elapsed without her even realizing it.

"So how