August 11, 1893
She looked up from her journal to watch the scenery through the window. Mile upon mile of flat grassland rolled by, only occasionally relieved but a grove of trees or a small farm. This was the longest train ride that she had ever been on, but she was no longer in awe of the massive train. It has simply been too long since she had had a decent nights sleep and a thorough bath. It was the middle of summer, and the sun heated the train cars and the miserable people traveling across the countryside. She wished that this part of the trip was over.
She stopped watching the flat horizon and looked down at her threadbare dress. It was one of only two that she owned, both given to her by the nuns in the orphanage. She had her only possessions in a worn carpetbag, her slim wardrobe and the only three letters she had ever received in her lifetime.
She came to the orphanage one day when she was almost three. A preacher and his wife on an evening drive had seen smoke in the distance. Upon investigation, they found a little girl standing in the yard of a small farmhouse. “Where’s your parents?” they had asked. All she could do was point into the charred mess. They took her home and fed and bathed her, and the next day she was taken to the orphanage. When they asked her name, she said, “’Manda.” They figured that she had just had a hard time saying Amanda, so Amanda she was. No one knew the family name, so they called her Amanda Rain. The Orphanage was in New York City, somewhere she’s never been. Over the fifteen years that she was placed there, she never ventured outside of the walls. Her lessons, dormitory, and church were all located inside, so there was no reason for her to venture into that sinful world, as the nuns had told her.
She, when she realized that she would soon be released, sent out letters to employment agencies that only hired women. She figured that she could nanny for someone; she always was good with the children that were brought into the orphanage.
The first, and only letter that she received was from a company in Colorado. She read the letter several times:
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Amanda Rain,
I have been contacted by an employment agency in regards to your letter. It seems that they believe that you would be a good candidate for a position in my business. Further questions need to be answered before I can be certain. Are you, or have you ever been married? Do you know how to use bookkeeping records? Are you trained in culinary skills or housekeeping? Do you play any instruments or sing? What are your measurements for seamstress purposes? What is your coloring for clothing requirements? Failure to answer any of these questions will result in not being awarded a position.
Sincerely,
Dalton, Inc.
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As she was told, she answered all of the questions, even if somewhat hesitantly. She even included a small likeness of her that one of her roommates had done on scrap paper.
The second letter was from the orphanage stating that she had one month to decide whether to join the convent or to leave the only home she had ever known. To become a nun was encouraged.
The final letter carried in her bag was from her future employer, Dalton, Inc. Included with this letter was a one-way ticket to Colorado, and some extra money. The letter had further instructions telling her to meet Mr. Jon Freedman on the platform of the station. “Mr. Freedman should be able to recognize you from the likeness that you sent.” She hoped.
She said goodbye to her “sisters” that were in the orphanage with her and the nuns that she had come to think of as her many mothers. She gathered her few possessions, and was on her way. She looked back at the forgotten journal; she didn’t seem to be able to concentrate on it.
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She lifted her head off the window and realized that she was at her station. She gathered her belongings, and walked out onto the platform. There was mass confusion and dust hanging in the air. She walked around trunks and crates to try to get to a point where she could be seen. Suddenly, a strong hand clamped down on her arm. She turned to look at the person, to tell them that they were hurting her. She looked into the cruelest face that she had ever seen. She opened her mouth to scream, but his other hand clamped down on her mouth and nose. Thankfully, she lost consciousness.
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“Well, I see that someone has decided to join us,” said a voice from far in the distance. “Come on Amanda, it’s time to get up,” the voice now losing patience.
Amanda opened her eyes. She immediately gasped. She was in the most beautiful carriage that she’d ever seen. When she looked in front of her, her mouth fell open. Sitting there, smiling at her, was the most handsome man that she thought could possibly exist. Light brown hair with a few mixed in grays, strong build, tanned skin, and beautiful blue eyes. That mouth, it was so wonderful, seemed to be carved by God.
“Where… am I?” she finally asked.
“For starters, you’re in Colorado. You are in my carriage on your way to my home and business. This is where you will both work and live. We are three hours from the nearest town by carriage, which you have traveled two and a half leaning against Mr. Freedman. Kindly right yourself; I detest slovenly behavior.” She did as she was told. I am Steven Dalton; you can call me Mr. Dalton or Sir.
“Yes, Sir. You didn’t tell me….”
“I told you all that you needed to know. Now, may I suggest that you enjoy the view?”